Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft: Point Guards Dominate The Top 5

By Tony Webb

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 30
Next
Feb 8, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) makes a move defended by Stanford Cardinal guard Marcus Allen (15) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

9. New Orleans Pelicans- Lauri Markkanen (Arizona, FR, Power Forward)

(Editor’s Note: This was written before the New Orleans Pelicans acquired DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings. Of course, adding another big man would not be in the best interest of the franchise. With the loss of Buddy Hield, expect the Pelicans to target a backcourt player in June.)

The big man from Arizona, Lauri Markkanen, has become an elite shooter, shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc to go along with his appealing seven-foot height.

He has great shoot creating ability for his size and can spread the floor nicely. His defensive and rebounding abilities are a concern, but pair him with Anthony Davis (who exceeds in those areas), Markkanen can develop in those areas while he creates offense for a Pelicans team who could use another scorer.