A Royal Pain
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Fit Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

By Michael Dugger

Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) looks to pass during a Pac-12 Conference Tournament game against the UCLA Bruins at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) looks to pass during a Pac-12 Conference Tournament game against the UCLA Bruins at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

14) Miami Heat- Lauri Markkanen, Forward, Arizona, Freshman

Stats per game 2016-17: 30.8 MIN/15.6 PTS/58.4 eFG%/42.3 3PT%/7.2 REB/0.9 AST/0.5 BLK/0.4 STL

Measurements: 7’0” height/225 lbs.

Being selected 14 overall would be a significant fall for Lauri Markkanen, but the Heat would be the best place for him to land. On the court, his shooting makes him the perfect partner to Hassan Whiteside in the front court. He’d play with an experienced point guard in Goran Dragic whose drive and kick ability give Markkanen open looks. Head coach Erik Spoelstra will play to Lauri’s offensive talents while demanding more of him on the defensive end.

Off the court, working with Miami’s strength staff is the best bet for Markkanen to add strength and quickness to his slender frame. He’s not the strongest athlete, and that has limited his defensive upside, but Miami possesses a world-class conditioning program that would improve Lauri’s athleticism. They could transform his body just as they did with James Johnson this past offseason, and maximize his potential.

Next: A Royal Prospect- Markelle Fultz

Thanks for checking it out my mock draft. Feel free to find me on twitter @dugger_fern and send me your thoughts. My full first round mock draft will post on Draft Day, Thursday, June 22nd.

All stats and measurements came from DraftExpress.com

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