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2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.0

By Tyler Watts

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots the ball during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 79-62. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots the ball during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 79-62. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Minnesota Timberwolves- Lauri Markkanen- PF- Arizona

Minnesota Timberwolves are building an exciting young team.  They have their star in Karl-Anthony Towns and a core starting five featuring Ricky Rubio, Andrew Wiggins, Gorgui Dieng, and Zach Lavine (if he can return from his torn ACL).  They are picking this high for a reason, though.

Why Lauri Markkanen?

Lauri Markkanen is another pick that just appears to be the perfect fit.  Markkanen shot 42.3% from three-point land for Arizona last season, and the Wolves are searching for some floor spacing.  Wiggins was a league average three-point shooter last season and Rubio was well-below average so they need the big men to make up that deficiency.  Towns, Dieng, and Markkanen all feature three-point shooting ability and make Minnesota a very dangerous offensive squad.

Lauri Markkanen is a 20-year-old kid from Finland and would continue a trend for the Timberwolves of adding talent from all over the globe.  Their current roster features four players who never played NCAA basketball, and that does not include Andrew Wiggins who was born in Canada.  Markkanen seems like the most logical choice for Minnesota at this juncture.

*Minnesota has a 5.3% chance of having the number one overall selection

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