2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.1

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. 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 /

10. Sacramento Kings (via New Orleans)- Lauri Markkanen- PF- Arizona

I mentioned the Kings needs at pick eight, and I have them filling the first one with that selection.  That means they are going to be in the market for a wing player with high upside.  The DeMarcus Cousins’ trade shifted the Kings into rebuild mode, and I expect the Kings to attempt to plug the remaining gap with this selection.  They will probably be forced away from a wing or trade back in order to grab one.

Why Lauri Markkanen?

In the first run, I mentioned Jonathan Issac at this pick and I believe he would be perfect for the Sacramento Kings.  Unfortunately, it looks like he will be selected before pick ten, so Sacramento will have to settle for the best stretch four in the draft.

Markkanen shot 42.3% from three-point land for Arizona last season and would provide Sacramento with some needed floor spacing.  He would immediately battle for the starting four position on the rebuild Kings and would be a great asset moving forward.

*New Orleans has a 1.1% chance of having the number one overall selection

**New Orleans keeps the pick if it falls inside the top three overall