NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 20: The Sweet Sixteen edition

Indiana’s OG Anunoby hasn’t played since January. Against Penn State, he suffered an undisclosed, season-ending knee injury that resulted in the school issuing a statement that they expected him to make a full recovery. That process will be important for Anunoby who projects as an incredibly versatile defender in need of major work on his offensive game.

Anunoby’s knee strength is important to his athleticism and lateral quickness, two physical traits that made him one of the best defenders in college basketball. He has the length to protect the rim, the mobility the chase guards on the perimeter and the strength necessary to battle in the post. Anunoby may not be able to guard all five positions at the NBA level, but if he ultimately developed that skill, it wouldn’t be surprising. In terms of box score impact, Anunoby generated 2.2 steals and 2.2 blocks per 40 minutes over two seasons with the Hoosiers.

His offensive game is much less polished. Anunoby can’t shoot despite a hot run during his freshman season and wings who can’t shoot are significantly less valuable than those who can. It will take some restructuring of his form and significant practice time to get Anunoby up to speed. He’s also not much of a creator, but he can work off the ball as a slasher and offensive rebounder. For that reason, it might be best for Anunoby to slot in as a small ball power forward in the NBA.

Learn more about OG Anunoby at The Step Back.