'The Full 48' Podcast: Lauri Markkanen, Jonathan Wasserman Talk 2017 NBA Draft

NBA draft prospect Lauri Markkanen joins Bleacher Report's Howard Beck and Jordan Brenner to discuss what it's like going through the predraft process—including meeting New York Knicks president Phil Jackson, answering weird interview questions and proving he's not a cliche European Dirk Nowitzki clone.

Afterward, B/R's Jonathan Wasserman joins the show to discuss Markkanen's draft status, as well as how much we should believe the big man's claim that he's tougher than most analysts believe. Wasserman also discusses the best fits for Markkanen and what Boston's next move is after trading away the No. 1 pick.

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Highlights

On the coolest guy Markkanen met during the draft process?

At the draft lottery I met Alonzo Mourning, so that was definitely one. It was more of an introduction ... we talked about growth of basketball back home.

On predraft stress-inducers

There's nothing to stress about. Like I said: It doesn't really matter where I land. So it's just enjoying the process and do what I can and you really can't control that, where you're going.

On weirdest question he's heard during the interview process?

... You order fries in the restaurant and waiter comes up with chips, what are you gonna do?

On Meeting Phil Jackson

It's a great honor to meet him. ... We didn't talk about basketball that much. It was more of a—who I am.

On his game

I think everyone knows I can shoot the ball. ... I can rebound the ball; I bring a lot of energy to the team. ... I'm definitely not that weak, as people think.

On why people assume he's not strong

I don't know. Probably part of it is just that I'm a European player, probably.

I think it's gone away slowly, but it needs more than a couple players to do that.

On Dirk comparisons

It's a great honor to me. ... He's one of the greatest to do it, so, of course, there's gonna be comparisons.