2017 NBA Mock Draft: What if the Lakers don’t take Lonzo Ball?

The NBA is obviously changing with teams downsizing their lineups in response, largely, to the Golden State Warriors doing so with much success. Playing smaller players who can accomplish some of the same things as bigger ones — rebounding and protecting the rim — has allowed those teams to take advantage of offensive mismatches in a way that was under-explored. The key to these smaller lineups is often a versatile defender who can switch onto smaller players, but also defend larger ones while providing some help at the rim from the weak side. Of the players in this draft, Indiana’s OG Anunoby may end up fitting that role the best.

At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and weighing in at 232 pounds, Anunoby has the size and lower body strength necessary to do battle around the rim either challenging shots or holding off post players. He also has excellent lateral mobility and uses his length to help contain penetration, something he showed in the 2016 NCAA Tournament against current Denver Nugget Jamal Murray. Anunoby would give Denver a combo forward who can help cover for some of the defensive deficiencies of Nikola Jokic as well.

Sorting out a role for the swingman on offense will be a challenge as there’s little reason to trust his jumper and he doesn’t have any ability to create on his own, but that will come with some time on the floor and isn’t imperative given the value he can bring defensively.

Learn more about OG Anunoby at The Step Back.