Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 options for pick No. 7 in 2017 NBA Draft

2. Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

2017 statistics:  15.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 0.9 APG

Lauri Markkanen is a power forward that has a chance to beat out current starter Gorgui Dieng at power forward. He is a 7’0″ forward that can stretch the floor. That is exactly what the Minnesota Timberwolves need right now. His height advantage and ability to shoot makes him NBA ready.

Being 7’0″ tall is one thing. Being 7’0″ tall, coordinated, and skilled is another. Markkanen has the makings of an excellent NBA career on a team that needs him like the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Markkanen made 42 percent of his three point attempts at Arizona last season. If that translates to the NBA, he will become the Timberwolves best threat from beyond the arc. With teams having to focus on Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, Markkanen would make matchups a nightmare for opposing teams.

Here is what NBA.com had to say about Markkanen.

"“Lauri Markkanen is the next Kristaps Porzingis – at the very least in terms of body type. Markkanen is a lanky 7-footer who eerily resembles Porzingis, who is 7-foot-3, on the court. Both players are perimeter-oriented offensive players who are incredibly agile and athletic for their height. “Markkanen has a quick and high release and is a very efficient 3-point shooter in volume. He has soft hands around the basket and is more than capable of taking his defenders off the dribble with both hands, though he prefers to go left. He is able to hit all forms of shots, from pull-ups to trail-3s to catch-and-shoots to jumpers off of pin-downs and curls.”"

Adding a player who is compared to Porzingis would make the Timberwolves an instant playoff contender.