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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 24: Time to randomize the lottery!

By Chris Stone

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Tony Carr (10) shoots the ball as Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Tony Carr (10) shoots the ball as Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about OG Anunoby at The Step Back.

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OG Anunoby

SF/PF, Indiana

Lottery odds: 0.6 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

Pairing an elite defender at the small ball power forward spot with Nikola Jokic seems like an intriguing way forward for the Denver Nuggets. Indiana’s OG Anunoby is the top defender in the draft class and at 6-foot-8 with a lengthy wingspan and strong lower body, he should be able to handle everything that comes with being a primary defender in the NBA. Prior to a knee injury that ended his season in January, Anunoby was averaging 2.1 steals and 2.1 blocks per 40 minutes. He has the lateral quickness to keep up with guards on the perimeter and a combination of length and vertical explosion that allows him to protect the rim.

What Anunoby will bring to the table on offense is a big question. He has an alright 3-point percentage, but it’s over an incredibly small volume and he shot it poorly from the free throw line (52.2) percent. Anunoby also doesn’t do much in the way of creating his own shots.

This projection is made with the assumption that Anunoby will make a full recovery from his knee injury and regain the athleticism that is so central to his defense. Even if he turns out to be a 6-foot-8 Tony Allen, the Indiana sophomore is worth the pick here in the late lottery.

Learn more about OG Anunoby at The Step Back.