2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: De’Aaron Fox continues to rise; Knicks find their PG

By Tony Webb | May 29, 2017

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 12 Detroit Pistons- Lauri Markkanen (Arizona, FR, Power Forward)

Lauri Markkanen might find himself taken earlier than at 12, but potential and need might push him down the lottery. I don’t see Markkanen falling any further than Detroit, though.

The crafty, 7-footer with an unbelievable jumper is too tempting to pass up on. He has shown the potential of great shot creating ability for his size and can spread the floor nicely. His defensive and rebounding abilities are a concern but pair him with Andre Drummond, and Markkanen can develop in those areas while he creates offense for a Pistons team who could use a scorer.

Markkanen isn’t a franchise player by any stretch of the imagination but he could be the missing piece to this team’s frontcourt.