2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery

By Chris Stone | May 18, 2017

Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tory Miller (14) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Colorado Buffaloes guard Dominique Collier (15) watches the play at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves around Colorado Buffaloes forward Lucas Siewert (25) during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Arizona won 92-78. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

Learn more about Lauri Markkanen at The Step Back.

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Lauri Markkanen

PF/C, Arizona

Draft status: In with an agent

This should not be perceived as the second coming of Dirk Nowitzki. Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen is his own player with an interesting outlook given his unique skill set as a 7-footer. Markkanen is arguably the best shooting big man prospect in NBA draft history not just because of his accuracy, but also because of his ability to get shots away from the ball. He made 42.3 percent of his attempts this season and is capable of running off screens, playing in pick-and-pop and is comfortable just stationing himself at the 3-point line in order to space the floor.

Markkanen can score in other ways as well, primarily attacking close outs off the dribble. He still needs to work on his passing on the move. He is also a capable post up player and can attack switches on the low block.

The question will be how Markkanen fits defensively in Dallas. He’s a near zero as a rim protector and is only an alright rebounder, so he’ll need Nerlens Noel to do significant work as a defensive force. Markkanen is capable of sliding on the perimeter, though, and should at least be able to contribute there.

Learn more about Lauri Markkanen at The Step Back.