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NBA lottery mock draft: Teams get crazy with trades, Heat land the perfect fit

By Wes Goldberg

Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) looks to pass as Purdue Boilermakers guard Ryan Cline (14) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) looks to pass as Purdue Boilermakers guard Ryan Cline (14) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots the ball as Washington Huskies forward Sam Timmins (33) defends during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots the ball as Washington Huskies forward Sam Timmins (33) defends during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Denver: John Collins, Power Forward, Wake Forest

What John Collins does well–rebound and score in the post–are things the Nuggets can use. Collins projects well next to Nikola Jokic. He can do the dirty work on the boards while Jokic dazzles us with sweet passes and unicorn-like behavior.

Collins needs to improve on defense, but with proper coaching he should be okay on that end. Michael Malone should be able to get the most out of him. With Collins and Jokic, the Nuggets will have a nimble front court to base their offense around.

14. Miami: Lauri Markkanen, Power Forward, Arizona

The Heat didn’t think Lauri Markkanen would slide this far–and would have preferred Zach Collins or Donovan Mitchell–but the prototype stretch-4 is a perfect fit for Miami’s roster.

Markkanen is one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft (and not just for bigs, for any position). Lined up next to Hassan Whiteside, Markkanen will be able to stretch the floor for Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters (if re-signed) to get to the rim. The Heat found a formula in the second half of last season with those two driving and kicking, and Markkanen should see wide open looks from the corner–a position previously occupied by Luke Babbitt.

Defensively and on the boards, Markkanen leaves a lot to be desired. He struggles on defense, but Erik Spoelstra should be able to get the most out of him. He’s at least athletic and long, so their should still be room to improve. Rebounding isn’t something he does especially well. Markannen plays like a guard, and needs to learn to use his body. Luckily for him, Whiteside has a handle on the glass. Markkanen can shoot right away, and take some time to develop his weaknesses.

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