The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Pre-Draft

By Owen Nelson

Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 32
Next
2017 NBA Draft prospect Lauri Markkanen. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
2017 NBA Draft prospect Lauri Markkanen. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

PF/C. Arizona. Lauri Markkanen. 13. player. 73.

The draft stock of Lauri Markkanen has been fluctuating in recent months. After a rough end to the season and the emergence of Zach Collins, Markkanen has struggled mightily to hold onto his top 10 place in the draft. I don’t think Markkanen has much potential as all he can really do is shoot. Don’t get me wrong, shooting is key, but he needs to be able to do more than just that.

Markkanen has a lack of awareness when it comes to protecting the paint and grabbing rebounds. Being seven foot tall Markkanen was only able to average 9.3 rebounds per 40 minutes and 0.7 block per 40, these are atrocious. He is also very slow footed, he struggles to move laterally, he will definitely struggle defensively in the NBA.

I think that Markkanen’s upside is nothing more than Ryan Anderson and Nikola Mirotic level. He may be best served coming off the bench and playing against the opposition’s second unit. He also needs to play alongside a defensive big man, playing next to Nikola Jokic would be awful defensively.

Previous Mock Draft Ranking: 14