Lauri Markkanen Selected No. 7 Overall in the 2017 NBA Draft
With the seventh selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, Arizona Wildcat forward Lauri Markkanen was selected by the Chicago Bulls
The wait is over for the big Finn after months of awaiting his fate, Lauri Markkanen came into Thursday, a favorite to be taken early in the 2017 Draft. With the seventh overall pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Markkanen, but he will be traded to Chicago instead.
With the seventh pick in the 2017 #NBADraft, the @Timberwolves select @MarkkanenLauri! pic.twitter.com/oeOQQ73SOl
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2017
As Markkanen walked up the stage after hearing his named called, he became the 72nd Wildcat overall, and the 22nd player to be taken in the first round in the program’s illustrious history.
Coincidentally enough, he was also the third Pac-12 player to be taken in the Top 10! As Arizona Daily Star write Bruce Pascoe pointed out, Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball being selected at one and two respectively, is the first it’s ever happened for the Pac-12, the fourth time ever for any conference.
That's the Pac-12's first 1-2 punch atop NBA Draft ever, and fourth of all time for any conference.
— Bruce Pascoe (@BrucePascoe) June 22, 2017
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He will officially join the Bulls, and the Markkanen NBA era will soon begin.
Chicago made a move in the draft, trading Jimmy Butler to Minnesota for rights to the seventh overall pick. The Timberwolves would then draft Markkanen.
Making himself known for his huge size, superior athleticism, and sharp-shooting ability, he will become a great asset In Chicago.
As a freshman this past season for the Wildcats, Markkanen averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Additionally, he shot a remarkable 42 percent from three.
Markkanen will certainly fit in nicely with the Bulls.
Watch the moment as Lauri wasn’t drafted
@LauriMarkkenan to the Wolves with a proposed trade to the Chicago Bulls #NBADraft at No. 7 https://t.co/qtnnb6gpTd
— ZonaZealotsFS (@ZonaZealots) June 23, 2017
Prior to the draft, this is what scouts had to say about Markkanen:
"“Markkanen’s intrigue as a prospect isn’t difficult to see at first glance. Looking every bit of his listed 7’0-230 pounds, he has great size for a power forward. A fluid, coordinated athlete who lacks a degree of explosiveness, length, and physical strength, despite his improved, muscular frame, the 19 year old forward will need to continue to get stronger, but has a nice mix of tools to complement his advanced skill set on the offensive end.”- Draft Express"
Just from looking at his highlight film, we can all agree Chicago certainly got a great player!
Oh yeah, and Lauri cleans up nicely….
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/878008449384288258
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At Zona Zealots, we would like to congratulate Lauri on being drafted! Congrats on fulfilling your dream, and remember to always, Bear Down!