NBA Mock Draft 2017: 1st-Round Projections, Elite 8 Edition

8. Minnesota Timberwolves Select Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

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Age: 19 (May 22, 1997)

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Size: 7-foot-0, 230 pounds

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Markkanen went out with a fizzle on Thursday, tallying just nine points (3-of-9 from the field, 1-of-6 from deep) and eight rebounds in a Sweet 16 loss to Xavier. He also got sealed pretty easily on the Musketeers' game-winning basket, highlighting the defensive concerns.

Nevertheless, while the defense is a bit of a problem, seven-footers with Markkanen's offensive skill set don't come around all that often. On the year, he shot 42.3 percent from three, while also showing the ability to post up or take slower defenders off the dribble. A frontcourt of Markannen and Karl-Anthony Towns would cause all kinds of matchup problems, while the latter's ability to protect the rim would somewhat blunt Markannen's defensive struggles. (Getty)

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