2017 NBA Draft - Brew Hoop Community Draft Board: The raw, recovering OG Anunoby is #13

We return to our regularly scheduled programming with number 13 in the community draft board. A sophomore who flashed some serious potential, especially on the defensive end, but with a few serious red flags as well: OG Anunoby - SF/PF, Indiana.

Anunoby came into Indiana as an unheralded recruit, but his athleticism and physical tools quickly separated him from the pack and prepared him for a breakout sophomore season. Unfortunately, a January knee injury and subsequent surgery ended his season, and although he’s expected to make a full recovery, it’s still something of note.

With averages of 17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 2.1 steals per 40, the injury derailed his development (as well as Indiana’s season on the whole) in a highlight second year. Anunoby’s offensive game needs some serious refinement and work, but he’s capable of finding an open space to catch and shoot, attack a closeout with a straight drive and run to the rim. His athleticism, which will hopefully return at full force once he recovers from the injury, allows him to probe a defense off-ball for baseline cuts and offensive rebounds.

He’ll use his 6’7” height and 232 pound frame to leverage his size and momentum to catch defenders off guard in the post with a quick spin or attack. His ball handling is very rough, and any type of playmaking off the dribble or initiating a pick and roll isn’t his strong suit. Most of his assists will come as a dump down or in perimeter passing to find the open shooter. He can play above the rim as a rim runner or on put backs, while also putting it to good use in transition where his raw athleticism shines. In the half court Anunoby isn’t too flashy, but he can make a splash in the open court.

Anunoby’s jump shot is capable at best at this point. In just 16 games this season he went 14-45 (31%) from behind the arc with all of his 3s in two seasons at Indiana being assisted. His form and mechanics are okay and inconsistent, exposed further in his questionable free throw shooting (56% on 48 attempts this season). So the conundrum lies in Anunoby developing more of a dribble drive game to attack the rim and draw fouls -- he had a 39.3 free throw rate -- but he’ll need to improve his shooting from the stripe to make him more of a threat.

At the rim though, Anunoby shot nearly 80% thanks to his body control and athletic ability. Anunoby can lose focus on both ends at times, and his feel for the game isn’t that great. With his below average handles he averaged 2.6 turnovers per 40, an 18.0 turnover rate, on a small sample size. Projecting forwards, he shouldn’t be tasked with too much of an offensive burden for a couple years.

On the defensive end is where OG Anunoby shines the brightest. His massive 7’2” wingspan engulfs opponents on the perimeter while his solidly almost 20-year old frame keeps him grounded in the post. His speed and size work in tandem to make him a switchy nightmare for opposing teams. He defended all five positions in college. His length bothering guards handles and shot attempts while his trunk, speed and arms confounded big men. If he can stay focused and locked in Anunoby should be a defensive nightmare in the Association for years to come.

OG Anunoby is a high-upside player with a shot that shows promise with a little work. On the Bucks, his defensive ability in their scheme could be dangerously efficient considering he averaged 4.2 stocks per 40. He’d allow the Bucks to switch even more, but he’d jam up the forward rotation a bit when Jabari Parker returns while offering little to no floor spacing.

Other than having possibly the best name in the draft, an aspect of his game that can’t be overlooked are his shorts. He wears them a bit shorter than the average player, and it works. He’s out here serving old-school looks on the court and I’m all for it.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The 2017 Brew Hoop Draft Board

1. Markelle Fultz - PG, Washington - DraftExpress Profile
2. Lonzo Ball - PG, UCLA - DraftExpress Profile
3. Josh Jackson - SF, Kansas - DraftExpress Profile
4. De’Aaron Fox - PG, Kentucky - DraftExpress Profile
5. Jayson Tatum - SF, Duke - DraftExpress Profile
6. Malik Monk - SG, Kentucky - DraftExpress Profile
7. Jonathan Isaac - SF/PF, Florida State - DraftExpress Profile
8. Dennis Smith - PG, N.C. State - DraftExpress Profile
9. Frank Ntilikina - PG, Strasbourg - DraftExpress Profile
10. Lauri Markkanen - PF, Arizona - DraftExpress Profile
11. Zach Collins - PF/C, Gonzaga - DraftExpress Profile
12. Donovan Mitchell - G, Louisville - DraftExpress Profile
13. OG Anunoby - SF/PF, Indiana - DraftExpress Profile