Minnesota Timberwolves: Pros and Cons of drafting Lauri Markkanen
Con: Rebounding
Lauri Markkanen’s rebounding numbers at Arizona last year paint a picture that he was at least a decent rebounder for his position. However, the film and scouts paint a vastly different picture.
The Ringer raises concerns about his rebounding performance by giving the following review:
"Poor rebounder, often outperformed by guards and moved off his spot. Lacks length to grab contested boards."
DraftExpress call’s Markkanen “an average rebounder.”
Both sites note that he has the ability to improve in this category by adding strength and gaining further knowledge about how to play the game of basketball.
Slotting Markkanen next to Towns should help make-up for his lack of elite rebounding ability. However, what worries me is what happens when Towns is off the floor.
Wiggins rebounding numbers weren’t just bad, they were downright terrible. Or turrible as Charles Barkley would say. He ranked 149th in rebounds per 100 possessions of all NBA forwards last season who played in 50 or more games. I mean there were literally only five qualified players who had worse rebounding numbers. That’s a different story for a different day.
Dieng is another player who Markkanen would spend the majority of his time next to. Dieng is a capable rebounder, however, his stats have gone down every year he’s been in the league. He concluded last season by averaging a career-low 12.4 rebounds per 100 possessions.
With these two players bookending Markkanen on the court, rebounding might become an area of need for the Wolves. It’s hard to say exactly how much of an impact Towns has had since we all know his affinity for grabbing boards away from his peers.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves draft profile: Lauri Markkanen
In the end, Markkanen, like every player in every draft class ever, has his strengths and weaknesses. Markkanen may be the easiest to evaluate as his are nicely defined for us.