15. Portland Trail Blazers – OG Anunoby, F, Indiana
GM: Tom Hyland; Twitter: @TomHylandT6M
First of all, OG Anunoby definitely passes the eye test. The 6’6, 230lb forward out of Indiana with a 7’2 wingspan has the physical tools to be an effective 3 or small- ball 4 at the next level. Anunoby’s elite physical profile gives him the capability to defend postions 1 all the way up to 5 in smaller lineups, and for the Trail Blazers – who ranked 24th in defensive rating last season – he will provide some much needed defensive presence.
In this stage of his career, Anunoby is not a player who can create a lot of offense by himself. However, playing with ball-dominant guards, Lillard and McCollum he won’t need to create anything by himself. Anunoby creates the majority of his offence through spot up situations; either from open three-pointers (career 36% shooter), or from attacking close outs and getting to the rim. Playing Anunoby at the four has the potential to be deadly due to the matchup nightmares he can create.
With that said, his jumper does need development, as he struggles to get the ball away cleanly when he is in any way contested and has a very low arc on his shot. Therefore he may need a few years in the league before he can be relied upon offensively. All in all, Anunoby has the tools to develop into an effective wing player for the Trail Blazers – a postion that is coveted around the league.