2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential first round sleepers
By Max Holm
4. Lauri Markkanen, PF/C, Arizona
It may seem odd to see Lauri Markkanen on this list, but bear with me. Most mock drafts have Markannen as the last big name off the board or even sliding to the end of the lottery. Justifiable questions remain over what he can do besides stretch the floor. Still, it feels like Markkanen is being written off more so than most high lottery picks.
Why is a player who cannot shoot at this stage — like De’Aaron Fox — easier to defend than a sniper like Markkanen? It’s not to say Fox isn’t a better prospect, but for all the talk about room for him to improve, there’s rarely been a conversation about Markkanen’s upside.
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He’s not the worst when it comes to lateral agility and even if he’s a train wreck on defense, why can’t his game transform beyond a spot-up shooter? Markannen could develop into a offensive juggernaut that can shoot and score from all over the floor and attack closeouts.
We’re still talking about probably the best shooting big man prospect in NBA draft history. Markkanen put up 15 points and seven rebounds per game, and shot over 42 percent from three despite playing with another big man and without sharpshooting guards.
There’s a very good chance Markkanen’s floor is Ryan Anderson, and Markkanen should be better on defense. Once he gets stronger there’s no reason he can’t be a deadly scorer from all three levels. He could really thrive next to an excellent defensive 4. If we’re going to examine upside, let’s not sell Markkanen short of his potential.
Potentially good fits: Magic (6th), Mavericks (9th), Kings (10th), Hornets (11th)