Busting Brackets
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2017 NBA Draft: Which selections were the biggest surprises in the lottery?

By Daniel Benjamin

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Markelle Fultz (Washington) is interviewed after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Markelle Fultz (Washington) is interviewed after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives the ball past Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) drives the ball past Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Lauri Markkanen, Arizona

Markkanen, the first Finnish player to be selected in the first round, was selected with the seventh overall pick. The fact that Markkanen was picked with the No. 7 selection was no surprise, as he was projected to go between six and 10. The surprise, however, is that he will be going to Chicago.

In a very surprising move, the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler and the 16th overall pick to Minnesota for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the rights to Markkanen. The Wolves look like the clear winners in this trade as Butler should do well with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

But the Bulls got a good return. All three players headed to Chicago are very young.  LaVine, who is extremely athletic, was having a breakout season until a torn ACL in his left knee ended his season prematurely. In the meantime, Dunn struggled as a rookie with his shooting stroke. Dunn was strong defensively though.

Markkannen is a 7-footer who can shoot the ball. He can also put the ball on the floor and attacked the rack. Rebounding and shot-blocking are his biggest areas of weakness.

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