2. Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen has become the new favorite for the Timberwolves to land in the 2017 NBA Draft. Most of the major outlets are projecting him to end up with Minnesota.
That may turn out to be okay for the Timberwolves as Markkanen has a higher floor than Jonathan Isaac does. He’s a safer and more NBA ready player. In fact, he will most likely contribute more during his rookie season than Isaac will.
Markkanen is a dead-eye shooter from the outside. He shot 42.3 percent from downtown last year at Arizona, which was his only year in college. He also led the Pac-12 in free-throw percentage which is remarkable for a seven-footer.
Because of this outside shooting, he may be the best fit on this Timberwolves’ roster. They are looking to add shooters as they were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams last year.
Markkanen would be an instant upgrade in that department over Dieng and would allow Dieng to go to the bench and help bolster a much-maligned second unit. Dieng would also spend more time at his natural position of center instead of playing power forward alongside Towns.
I know fans have set their heart on Isaac but I implore you to give Markkanen a legit chance. He just might surprise you in the end.