In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/> In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/>
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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks And A Full Round 1

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives the ball past Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives the ball past Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lauri Markkanen, Arizona Wildcats

Position: Power Forward
Age: 20 (5/22/1997)
Height & Weight: 7’0″ & 225 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .492/.423/.835
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.9 3PM

Some may believe there are better players available, but no prospect fits the Minnesota Timberwolves better than Lauri Markkanen. He may not be the defender Tom Thibodeau is accustomed to developing, but he’s a floor-spacing big man who would fill a void.

With Ricky Rubio, Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and Andrew Wiggins already working the perimeter, and Karl-Anthony Towns at center, no other pick would be more helpful.

An option here is Jonathan Isaac, who could be a stretch 4 if he adds significant muscle mass, but it’s Markkanen who makes the most sense. He can provide spacing for a team that not only struggles to shoot the 3-ball, but runs an offense predicated on getting into the paint.

Standing at 7’0”, Markkanen’s ability to shoot the 3-ball would enable Towns to work the post and Wiggins to get to the rim on a consistent basis.

Markkanen finished the 2016-17 season with 69 3-point field goals made on 42.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Considering Minnesota was dead last in the NBA in 3-point field goals made in 2016-17, his presence would be valued.

The Timberwolves have enough star power to build for the future, but they need contributors who can enable efficient execution. Markkanen can provide that help.

This is one prospect the New York Knicks likely wouldn’t be upset about missing out on due to the presence of Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez.

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