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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Torian Graham (4) moves to the basket against UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Torian Graham (4) moves to the basket against UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
19

Ike Anigbogu

C, UCLA

Draft status: In with an agent

Whether or not the Atlanta Hawks would be willing to swing for the fences with a project at No. 19 is an open question, but there’s certainly no debate that the Dwight Howard homecoming experiment hasn’t gone as planned and the team will soon need to find a viable replacement. UCLA’s Ike Anigbogu could offer some of the same strengths that a younger Howard used to bring to the game in terms of pick-and-roll play and rim protection should he pan out.

Anigbogu is one of the youngest players in the class, though, and he’ll need some time to smooth out the rough edges. He played just 13.0 minutes per game for the Bruins this season, but put up impressive numbers (14.5 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.7 blocks) when adjusted for a per 40 minutes basis.

The attraction to Anigbogu as a prospect stems largely from his long wingspan and athleticism. If he can learn to harness those things, he has the potential to be one of the best rim protectors in the 2017 draft class. However, right now, he simply can’t stay on the floor long enough to make an impact. Anigbogu averaged 7.6 fouls per 40 minutes during his freshman season. Atlanta may not be willing to take this risk on draft night, but if they do, it could pay off down the line.