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Lauri Markkanen’s shooting could help the Detroit Pistons

By Luke Wolthuis

Feb 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots a three point shot over Washington Huskies guard David Crisp (1) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavili. Arizona Wildcats defeated Washington Huskies 76-68. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots a three point shot over Washington Huskies guard David Crisp (1) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavili. Arizona Wildcats defeated Washington Huskies 76-68. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The draft is just over two weeks away, and the Detroit Pistons have already brought in some prospects to scout. Lauri Markkanen is a candidate who can help the Pistons across the board.

Lauri Markkanen from Arizona comes in at 7’0″ and only weighing 225 pounds. While playing at Arizona for just one season, the Wildcats held a record of 32-5.  Markkanen skipped the NBA Combine and has hired Michael Lelchitski as his agent. He’s projected to get drafted in the top 10 in this year’s draft.

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In his only season at Arizona as a freshman, Markkanen averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds a game. Those averages may not be overly impressive but his shooting numbers certainly are. From beyond the arc, Markkanen shot 42.3 percent and shot 83.5 percent from the free throw line. This kid is a pure shooter.

As for the Detroit Pistons, with Jon Leuer as their only consistent power forward, if Markkanen is still on the board at 12 he’d be a great selection. Henry Ellenson hasn’t played enough minutes to prove that he is a consistent shooter or power forward/center for that matter.

Markkanen stands at 7’0, which makes him very versatile alongside his shooting ability. He put up solid volume from long range at Arizona, taking 5.9 attempts per 40 minutes. He mostly comes off screens which allows enough time to get his shot off even though he could just shoot over the top. If you allow this guy to get any time to get his shot up he is deadly.

As a power forward he doesn’t show much on the defensive side of the ball. Markkanen only averaged 0.9 blocks, and 0.5 steals a game. He’s not a good shot blocker like most would think given his height, but his height his something that can affect a shooter around the rim. His defensive play is a skill he needs to improve on if he wants to be a reliable backup or starter in the NBA. Defense is something that Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy is an expert on and can help him get better on.

The Detroit Pistons could use him on the offensive side of the ball.  They were close to dead last in the NBA at 28th in three-point shooting and last in true shooting percentage. As far as the Pistons go, they need a shooter in this year’s draft. That has to be a priority this offseason, whether it be a free agent or some guy from Finland they need someone who can shoot and who can shoot consistently.

Next: Clips and notes from key prospects on pro day

The big question is whether or not Markkanen will drop in the draft. Most mock drafts have him going anywhere after the fifth pick. If he drops like Ellenson did in last year’s NBA draft it could be a steal for the Detroit Pistons.

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