A Royal Pain
Fansided

2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

By Tyler Watts

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pac-12 Networks broadcaster Lewis Johnson (right) interviews Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) after a NCAA basketball against the Southern California Trojans at Galen Center. Arizona defeated USC 73-66. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pac-12 Networks broadcaster Lewis Johnson (right) interviews Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) after a NCAA basketball against the Southern California Trojans at Galen Center. Arizona defeated USC 73-66. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Minnesota Timberwolves – Lauri Markkanen- PF- Arizona

The Minnesota Timberwolves feature an exciting young core, but still, need some pieces to make the jump to playoff contention.  In his first year at the helm, Head Coach Tom Thibodeau could not have been happy with his team’s defensive performance.  Coach Thibs is known as a defense-first coach, and yet his Wolves were 26th in defensive rating last season.

Minnesota’s biggest need is a three/four combo defender.  Andrew Wiggins, Shabazz Muhammed, Gorgui Dieng, Omri Casspi, and Brandon Rush did not play well defensively last season.  There is a load of offensive talent in that group, but they need a defensive stopper.

Why Lauri Markkanen?

Lauri Markkanen’s A Royal Prospect Profile

Former Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen does not accurately fill their biggest need, but he is the premier stretch four in this class.  Markkanen shot 42.3% from three-point territory last season.  He would also add a new dimension to the Wolves offense.  Making a big man go to the perimeter and guard this seven footer man with three-point range and a lightening quick release wreaks havoc on a defense and should open up plenty of opportunities for Minnesota’s offense to thrive.  Imagine Karl-Anthony Towns and Markkanen sharing the frontcourt and the different looks coach could devise for that combo.

Check out some of what Lauri Markkanen did on the on-court last year for the Arizona Wildcats in the highlight video below.

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