2017 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round

By Michael Saenz | Jun 22, 2017

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Chicago Bulls (from Minnesota Timberwolves ) – Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona

I like Lauri Markkanen, but not at No. 7. And to make things worse, this is the player the Chicago Bulls essentially traded Jimmy Butler for. Technically, when we look back, it will look like this: Jimmy Butler for Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn.

It’s as bad as it looks.

Hey, maybe Markkanen will end up being the next Dirk Nowitzki, but I just can’t see it. He’s more Channing Frye than he is Dirk. And I’m not sure if you want the next Frye in the new NBA. Frye couldn’t even see the floor in the NBA Finals. Hopefully this works out better for Chicago than I think it will.

Grade: C