Minnesota Timberwolves: Pros and Cons of drafting Lauri Markkanen

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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 /

Pro: Outside shooter

Above all else, Lauri Markkanen is a shooter.

Markkanen is already a good outside shooter as was evidenced by his extraordinary 3-point percentage last season. However, he proved that his shooting can extend to other areas of the floor.

He shot 83.5 percent from the free-throw line during Pac-12 play last season, which was the best in the conference. Considering that Markkanen measures in at 7-feet tall, that’s an amazing feat.

Markkanen’s effective field goal percentage, 58.4 percent, and true shooting percentage, 63.4 percent, both ranked in the top five in the Pac-12. Both of those measurements take into account a 3-pointer being worth more than a layup and adjusts’ for the efficiency in the different type of shots.

Even if you throw Markkanen in with the guards in this draft, he still emerges as one of the biggest outside threats.

He’s a great spot-up or pick-and-pop shooter but that isn’t all he can do. He can shoot while on the move also. Think J.J. Redick but 7-foot tall.

The Timberwolves hopefully take advantage of the fact that they have a 7-footer who can move the way Markkanen does. He isn’t your traditional power forward and thus shouldn’t be treated as such.

Tom Thibodeau and his staff should look at ways to design specific plays around Markkanen’s play set. Watch this whole video about Thibodeau’s offense and concentrate on Mike Dunleavy and his role.

I’m guessing you didn’t watch the whole video and that’s okay. Specifically, focus on the clip starting at 6:13 and going until 6:28. It just so happens to be against our beloved Timberwolves.

During this play, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer are playing the big positions, with Dunleavy and Jimmy Butler on the wings and Kirk Hinrich at the point. Tradition might say to have Markkanen play Boozer’s position. However, I implore Thibs to consider allowing Markkanen some time to run Dunleavy’s position.

On this specific play, Dunleavy sets a back screen on Boozer’s man and then spots up at the top of the 3-point line to knock down a wide open jumper.

Plays like that is what will make Markkanen successful in Minnesota.