Ultimate Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Guide 1.0

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Kris Dunn (Providence) shows off the inside of his coat after being selected as the number five overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Kris Dunn (Providence) shows off the inside of his coat after being selected as the number five overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Colorado Buffaloes forward Wesley Gordon (1) and guard George King (24) and Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) and center Dusan Ristic (14) play for the ball during the first half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Colorado Buffaloes forward Wesley Gordon (1) and guard George King (24) and Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) and center Dusan Ristic (14) play for the ball during the first half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

Lauri Markkanen PF

Age:20 Height:7’0″ Weight:225 Wingspan:N/A Standing Reach:N/A

15.6 Points 7.2 Rebounds 0.9 Assists 0.5 Blocks 0.4 Steals 25.4 PER

Lauri Markkanen may very well be my favorite prospect that the Timberwolves are likely to draft in this year’s class. He is a true seven footer who can step out to the 3-point line and knock down shots. That is what the Wolves need both this summer- shooting.

Strengths

  • moves well for a big man
  • NBA range on jumper
  • can score off the dribble
  • can use both hands
  • defensive potential

Weaknesses

  • playmaking for others
  • interior defense
  • rebounding
  • not an inside scoring presence

Comparison

Dirk Nowitzki, Ryan Anderson, Channing Frye

Projected Range

6-14

What to expect on the Timberwolves

"Among the more intriguing forward prospects in this draft, Markkanen’s strengths and weaknesses are fairly cut and dry despite his relative youth. Shooters of his caliber at the power forward position don’t come along very often, and even fewer have the pedigree to enter the draft at 19 years old. There’s an obvious niche for a big man who competes defensively and can score from the perimeter in so many different situations."

-Draft Express