NBA Draft Prospects: Top 5 Big Men
1. Lauri Markkanen, Arizona Wildcats
It is a rare occurrence when the NBA Draft's best shooting prospect is also the top power forward, but Lauri Markkanen is not your typical big man.
In his one season at Arizona, Markkanen posted one of the most efficient offensive performances in the NCAA last year, averaging 20.2 points and 2.4 three-pointers per 40 minutes with a 63.4% true shooting percentage and an offensive rating of 134.1, the fifth-best mark in the nation. His impressive campaign earned him a spot on the PAC-12 all-freshman and all-conference first teams as he helped take the Wildcats to a 32-5 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Standing at 7'0" and weighing 230 lbs, Markkanen has the ideal size and stature to play the four in the NBA. When you add in his shooting ability from all over the floor, you start to see why the Finland-native is a special player and worthy of a top 10 pick.
In today's space and pace NBA, Markkanen's game fits perfectly as a stretch four. His smooth stroke makes his jumper look effortless, whether it is off the dribble or in a pick-and-pop. His accuracy from beyond the arc is perhaps his biggest asset. Markkanen finished his freshman season, shooting 42.3% on his 4.4 three-point shot attempts per game. That percentage was good enough for second in the PAC-12 (behind only UCLA guard Bryce Alford).
While his shooting prowess makes the big man a unique piece for an NBA club, Markkanen's scoring ability isn't limited to just the perimeter. The seven-footer showed exceptional athletic ability by being able to slash and cut to the basket off the dribble. The former Wildcat owns a finishing touch too, as he made 69.5% of his shots at the rim, per hoop-math.com.
While offense is the name of Markkanen's game, he does an adequate job defensively. Able to body up on a defender, the former Wildcat has the quick feet needed to stay in position and keep up with small or big opponents alike, providing some resistance.
As you might expect, the one comparison that immediately jumps to mind for Markkanen is Dirk Nowitzki. Both are European born, both stand seven-foot tall, and both have an exceptional shooting range. The main difference between the two big men, is that while Nowitzki could back opponents down, getting to the rim with ease, Markkanen is more of a one-dimensional threat, as he lacks a real post up game.
Having a seven-footer who can pull up and knock down a shot with the fluid motion Markkanen has is something any NBA team would desire. So it should be no surprise the freshman has been off the board by pick 10 in most mock drafts. Of those teams selecting early, the Minnesota Timberwolves are the best fit. His outside shooting is the perfect complement to Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins game inside the arc and provides the T-Wolves with a terrifying frontcourt with Karl-Anthony Towns.
