NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Portland Trail Blazers

Apr 24, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (0) talk during a break in the action against the Golden State Warriors in the second half of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives the ball past Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

So with Jordan Bell, the Blazers would get a defensive-minded, 22-year old who can shore up one end of the floor. Now, let’s take a look at another power forward that can be an offensive weapon for the Blazers.

Playing in the same division, the Blazers should be very familiar with the Dallas Mavericks. What if Portland is able to add a 7-footer who can shoot from the outside? Doesn’t that remind you of an all-time great for the Mavericks? Markkanen has that sort of skill and if he can put it all together, he can develop into a great player.

The 20-year old from Finland is a complete opposite to what Bell brings to floor. Markkanen will provide length, perimeter shooting and spacing for the Blazers’ back-court duo. On the other hand, he won’t provide interior rim protection or much on the defensive side of the floor. In his freshman season at Arizona, Markkanen scoring 15.6 points and grabbed 7.2 rebounds per gam e. He should 55 percent from inside the arc and 42 percent from three-point distance.

The Blazers desperately need room for Lillard and McCollum to operate and Markkanen has the ability to provide that. Defenders will not be able to help off of him as much, allowing for driving lanes for the duo.

His defense is a liability, but something that can be developed once in the NBA. 3-point shooting big men have become extremely valuable in today’s game and if the Blazers can add one for cheap — they must. He’s probably not going to be there when the Blazers make their first selection, so Neil Olshey is going to have to wheel and deal his way to a higher draft slot for Markkanen.

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