9) Dallas Mavericks- 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.
A Royal Pain Prospect Profile: Lauri Markkanen
With the top point guards off the board (Ntilikina in particular), Dallas turns their attention to a direct replacement for Dirk Nowitzki in Lauri Markkanen. If any team is capable of getting the most out of a sharpshooting European big with inept defensive skills, it’s the Mavericks. Markkanen is one of the best shooters in the draft and would allow Dallas to pursue their guard problem in free agency. He would not be asked to contribute immediately, so a year or two learning from Dirk in practices, road trips, and on the bench will be an invaluable experience for the young Finn. I’m not high on Markkanen, but with their top target Ntilikina off the board, this is the best place for Lauri to land