2017 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

23. Toronto Raptors (from Clippers) – OG Anunoby, F, Indiana

Kudos to the Toronto Raptors. This is how to use a late first-round pick. This isn’t the area of the draft where you’re going to find an automatic contributor. Instead, this is the place in the draft where you find the diamonds in the rough.

And that’s exactly what OG Anunoby might be. He likely will have to sit out his rookie season after tearing his ACL late in the college season, but he’s drawn comparisons (probably unfair) to Kawhi Leonard.

If nothing else, Anunoby will be an above average defender. If he reaches his ceiling, he has the opportunity to be really special.

Grade: B