2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves
By Chris Stone
OG Anunoby
SF/PF, Indiana
Draft status: In with an agent
Indiana’s OG Anunoby hasn’t played basketball since January due to a knee injury, but his defensive upside is so high that he’s still worth a late lottery pick in the 2017 draft. The key will be how well Anunoby recovers from that injury in terms of regaining his athleticism. His lateral mobility and vertical explosiveness play key roles in his ability to lock down defenders both on the perimeter and on the interior. At his peak, Anunoby was able to keep up with some of college basketball’s best guards like when he blocked a pair of Jamal Murray 3-pointers in the NCAA Tournament as a freshman. He also provides weak side rim protection with a lengthy wingspan. Few defenders in this class have the type of versatility that Anunoby does.
The rest of Anunoby’s game is a pretty big question mark. While he shot it well from deep on a low number attempts as a freshman, his sophomore season numbers were awful and he’s consistently been a poor free throw shooter. The jump shot just isn’t there yet and that will make him a tough prospect to slot in at a small forward position. He’ll need to work on changing his jump shot and being off the court for several months isn’t helping. Anunoby also doesn’t have much in the way of play-making ability yet either. Think of him as a raw athlete with great physical tools who has already proven himself on defense, but has a long ways to go before he’s a functional offensive piece.