NBA
2017 NBA Mock Draft: Who Each Lottery Team Should Pick
Many NBA Draft experts believe Lonzo Ball should end up with the Los Angeles Lakers. The numbers disagree.

14. Miami Heat: Lauri Markkanen, PF

Team needs: Power forward production, drawing fouls, free throw shooting

The Miami Heat will enter next season with major playoff aspirations, and why wouldn't they? By net PER, Miami was a plus at three of five positions while boasting two players -- Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic -- at a nERD of at least 5.1 on the year.

The free-throw battle, however, is an area of major concern. This season, they ended up 29th in free throws per field goal attempt (.177) and 22nd in opponent free throws per field goal attempt (.220). That margin is alarming, and the result was a -270 point loss in the free throw game. Quite possibly, that was the difference between the lottery and the playoffs.

These needs point directly to Lauri Markkanen, the top prospect remaining on the board. In his one year at Arizona, the versatile seven-footer put up 30 points with 7.1 made free throws per 100 possessions. He shot 83.5% from the line and averaged .439 attempts per field goal attempt. He's the ideal candidate to make up for Miami's -2.8 net PER from the power forward position.

Prev

Related News

An Introduction to FanDuel Research

Jim Sannes  --  May 18th, 2017

FanDuel Single-Game Daily Fantasy Basketball Helper: NBA Finals Game 5

Austin Swaim  --  May 18th, 2017

NBA Finals: Player Prop Bets to Target for Game 5 (Heat at Nuggets)

Austan Kas  --  May 18th, 2017