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NBA Draft 2017: Predicting the first ten selections

By Keith Rivas

Jan 29, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) walks up court during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Arizona won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) walks up court during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Arizona won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pac-12 Networks broadcaster Lewis Johnson (right) interviews Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) after a NCAA basketball against the Southern California Trojans at Galen Center. Arizona defeated USC 73-66. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pac-12 Networks broadcaster Lewis Johnson (right) interviews Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) after a NCAA basketball against the Southern California Trojans at Galen Center. Arizona defeated USC 73-66. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona. Lauri Markkanen. 8. player. 67. . SF

After taking the gamble on Justin Jackson, the next forward move for Sacramento comes from the University of Arizona. Former Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen was a PAC-12 standout who delivered for most of the NCAA tournament.

His stature remains his most pressing asset. The Kings have shown that they like to depend on bigger, stronger players to try and overpower their opponents. Markkanen’s seven foot tall, 230 pound frame definitely fits that criteria.

Once in the NBA, Sacramento would probably like to see how quickly he can even out his talent. In his lone year at Arizona, the Finland native didn’t seem like he could control his production consistently.

Outside of that, the Kings know that he’ll be that big guy that can play from the outside if he needs to. He can make three point shots as well, which makes him more of a threat at forward versus others at the same position.

Not necessarily a bad pick, but more of an obvious choice unless the Kings decide to go against the grain.

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