Lauri Markkanen’s draft stock appears to keep rising, with Jonathan Givony of Draft Express pegging him in The Vertical as the No. 6 pick in the June NBA Draft.
While the draft lottery spots have yet to be determined, Givony estimated Orlando would have No. 6 and spend it on Markkanen.
“The Magic are one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, in no small part due to their lack of shooting,” Givony wrote. “A power forward who can space the floor is a major need, and Markkanen looks like a great fit.”
However, Markkanen first has to hop over what may be a freshman wall of sorts. He was 2 for 9 from the field Wednesday against Stanford, putting him at 4 for 20 over the past three games. He also uncharacteristically missed a pair of free throws Wednesday.
“Certainly he’s affected right now,” UA coach Sean Miller said. “When you saw him shoot free throws – those two (he missed) -- you can tell it’s bothering him a little bit. But I have no doubt he’s gonna snap out of it. He’s too good of a player and his work ethic is too good and we have to help him.”
