Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 10 ceiling and floor rankings; Top 50 overall rankings

By Miles Jamieson

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots over Xavier Musketeers forward RaShid Gaston (35) and forward Kaiser Gates (22) during the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots over Xavier Musketeers forward RaShid Gaston (35) and forward Kaiser Gates (22) during the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Lauri Markkanen, F/C, Arizona

Lauri Markkanen is one of the best shooters in the draft. As a 7-foot three-point specialist, his role on an NBA team will be as a stretch four. He might be able to play center if he improves his strength and rebounding. He’s not a great athlete, but he’s extremely skilled.

Markkanen will never be an elite defender, but he has enough size to be a disrupter. Markkanen’s calling card is his scoring ability. He can score down low, from mid-range, and from deep. He’s also a great ball-handler and passer for his size.

Even if he doesn’t improve much in the NBA, he’ll be a valuable player that every team could use. Markkanen should be a top 10 pick.

6. T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA

T.J. Leaf is one of the safer players in the draft. He doesn’t have a high ceiling, but his bust potential is extremely low. Leaf is an extremely polished offensive player. He can score the ball from anywhere on the court.

Leaf isn’t a consistent shooter from deep yet, but he’s shown the ability to become a stretch four. He’s a great scorer around the hoop. Leaf is a good passer and ball-handler for his size. Leaf isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s a good enough athlete for his size.

He isn’t a great defender or shot blocker, but he tries hard on that end of the floor. Leaf will never be a star, but he’ll be a valuable role player.