Detroit Pistons: 5 options for pick No. 12 in 2017 NBA Draft
By Max Holm
1. Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
Figuring out Lauri Markkanen’s draft range is very difficult. The smooth shooting seven-footer from Finland is unlikely to go in the top five, probably even the top eight. It’s unlikely the Knicks think he and Kristaps Porzingis would make a great pair. So that probably puts him anywhere from No. 9 to Dallas to No. 14 to Miami. No way Pat Riley passes on him. Also, that would be absurd for Riley to grab talents like Winslow and Markkanen that late in the lottery.
Whether he’s there for Detroit is up in the air, but if he is, he’s their best option. Markkanen would bring the two things Detroit lacks right now: shooting and a potential go-to scorer.
In analyzing Markkanen, there are too many assumptions that he’s just Channing Frye or Ryan Anderson. This guy was one of the greatest shooting big men in college basketball history as a teenager. He has the chance to develop into a scoring machine that can anchor an offense.
His defense is also not as bad as it is made out to be. Now, in terms of what position he plays, that’s another story. It’s really hard for me to envision him being able to spend a ton of time next to Drummond. Pairing him with an excellent defensive power forward could help unlock his best potential, which I think is at center.
Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition
That being said, if Detroit can surround him and Drummond with defensive wings, it could work. Markkanen sliding might be the Pistons’ best chance at a possible franchise player in this draft. If he falls, they should jump all over the opportunity.