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2017 Oklahoma City Thunder NBA draft prospect series: Lauri Markkanen

By Casimir Cuffy

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against Saint Mary's Gaels center Evan Fitzner (21) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against Saint Mary's Gaels center Evan Fitzner (21) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could the OKC Thunder trade up and draft Lauri Markannen? Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Could the OKC Thunder trade up and draft Lauri Markannen? Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

The OKC Thunder hold the 21st pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Drafting Lauri Markkanen, a freshman forward from Arizona, is going to take some maneuvering to grab. However, the price may just be worth it.

Lauri Markannen, a Finland native, is a projected lottery pick in mostly all mock drafts that are out. And rightfully so. The Arizona stand-out is a true seven-footer who has excellent range beyond the three-point line. Sam Presti shouldn’t think twice about trading up to add this player to the roster, which is why Markkanen is next up on Thunderous Intentions’ draft prospect series.

Specifics:

  • Height: 7’0
  • Weight: 225 lbs
  • Position: Power Forward
  • Age: 20
  • College: University of Arizona, Freshman

(Did not participate in NBA Combine)

Last Season Stat line:

15.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 BPG, 49.2% FG, 42.3% 3P, 83.5% FT

Mock Draft Rankings:

Please note, the rankings below come from the most up to date versions as the time of writing. That said not all the mock drafts provide second round ranks or updates, often only extend to the end of the first round.

Therefore, if you check a ranking and note the number has changed it’s likely due to updates and a shift in the rankings.

  • Draft Express: 8
  • CBS Sports: 7
  • NBA.com: 10
  • Draft Net: 11
  • Hoops Hype: 12

Strengths & weaknesses

Strengths

Markkanen enters the draft with one of the best shooting strokes in his class. In a time where “stretch fours” are the hot commodity around the league, Lauri has the potential to be as best as they come. The 20-year old was incredibly efficient this past year from both the field and three-point range. That type of shooting is sure to carry over to the NBA level given his size.

“He moves like a 6-8 forward. To me, that separates him from a lot of others. And then his skill level, when he gets into the testing part (of NBA workouts), the shooting and all that, he’s really like a guard.”

While some may view him as a one trick pony, Lauri has the ability to contribute in other areas such as rebounding and finishing in transition. Markkanen averaged 7.2 rebounds a game as a freshman. As an active seven footer, rebounds will seemingly fall in his lap on the NBA level. Arizona Head Coach, Sean Miller, stated “He moves like a 6-8 forward. To me, that separates him from a lot of others. And then his skill level, when he gets into the testing part (of NBA workouts), the shooting and all that, he’s really like a guard.”

Weaknesses:

Most of the concerns about Markkanen comes on the defensive side of the ball. With time, his offensive game will develop in the post. Defensively he has to improve to compete on the NBA level. At only 225, he stands to get bullied by bigger and stronger players matched up against him.

Being seven feet, he will likely be a center in many “small-ball” lineups so he will need to gain a little weight to bang like one. For a player of his height, 0.5 BPG is a big disappointment. This area of his game will need the most attention for him to reach elite status on the NBA level.

MUST READ: OG Anunoby prospect review

Also, while his foot speed is great for a seven footer, his lateral quickness must improve for him to be playable in today’s NBA. He will be matched up with guards occasionally and must hold his own in those situations.

The Fit

Markkanen has drawn comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki and Kristaps Porzingis. However, I think of him as more of a Kevin Love type of player. Love isn’t very good defensively but can rebound well and has a nice outside shot. Lauri is similar to him in that way.

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His fit with OKC would be perfect being that the team finished dead last in three-point shooting out of the whole league. The Thunder desperately need players who can space the floor and Markkanen is quite possibly the best option in this draft for that purpose.

Best/worse case scenario

At worst, Lauri could turn in a quality role player on this team that can come in and hit shots regularly off the bench. If his defense does not develop, he won’t be able to find much playing time, especially come playoff time. At best, Lauri could develop into a Kevin Love or Ryan Anderson type of player that demands respect from the three-point line. That would work perfectly next to Russell Westbrook, who needs floor space to operate.

For him to get playing time, Enes Kanter and/or Taj Gibson have to be gone. Domantas Sabonis was picked up in the lottery of last year’s draft, but had a rocky rookie season. Markkanen would compete with him for playing time but may turn out to be a better option in the starting line-up next to Steven Adams, while Sabonis takes over the second unit.

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