NBA Draft prospects to watch at Thursday’s NCAA Tournament
By Bill Johnson
Lauri Markkanen, Arizona
7-foot/230 lbs
vs. North Dakota State, 9:50 p.m./TBS
Lauri Markkanen is a freshman 7-foot Finnish forward from Arizona. It is hard to miss him.
Markkanen has that freakish size that makes him an exciting prospect for the NBA Draft. He is a ‘unicorn’ like Kristaps Porzingis with the size, footwork and fundamentals to be a matchup nightmare in the NBA.
Markkanen’s father, Pekka, actually played at Kansas in 1989-1990, and he played professionally in Finland. That is important because Pekka groomed his son. He wanted to make sure that his son learned guard skills as a child so his son would not be stuck in the post his whole career like he was.
The younger Markkanen averages 15 points and 7 rebounds per game for a loaded Arizona team. He shoots 43 percent from 3-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line. Those averages take into account a 5-for-31 shooting slump from 3-point range at the end of the season.
Ironically, that shooting slump has tempered expectations for Markkanen. Even though there is a logical explanation. Arguably, Arizona’s best player, Allonzo Trier, returned from suspension. Naturally, there would be an adjustment period as Markkanen’s role and shots changed.
Markkanen is a seven-foot big man who can dribble, pass, and shoot. He is going to be able to score at any level.
The question for Markkanen, as it is with most European big men, is defense. At 230 pounds, there is a question of whether he will be able to handle the NBA physicality. But how physical is the NBA today?
Markkanen is projected as a top 10 pick. Some team is going to get a versatile big in a similar vain as Danilo Gallinari of the Denver Nuggets. They have a very similar skill set. Gallinari plays on the wing, which is Markkanen’s best spot.
There is concern about his defense, but his length will make up for a lot. Plus knocking down shots helps your defense.