HH Draft Profile: OG Anunoby
By Alex Eddy
Hardwood Houdini Draft Profiles
OG Anunoby: Indiana, SF
Height: 6’8″
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 19
Click the name for up to date stats: OG Anunoby
Strengths
Defense:
Probably his best quality, Anunoby will be drafted based upon his defensive potential. He has the ability to be a lockdown perimeter defender in the NBA. Defensive stoppers on the perimeter are definitely something valued in the NBA, which is why you see players like Andre Roberson starting for the Thunder. He is very physical and he moves his feet well when guarding different positions. He stands out on the defensive end of the court because he always seems to be everywhere, wreaking havoc for the offense in one way or another.
Athleticism/Size:
Anunoby is a freak athlete and is always a threat above the rim. At 6’8” he has terrific size and a terrific build. He uses his physicality on offense against smaller defenders, but also on the defensive end when he is asked to guard both forward positions. He can guard the best perimeter defender on an opposing team, but has also been asked to match up against power forwards. His athleticism can help him contend with taller players. He uses his strength and mobility to be able to guard multiple positions.
Weaknesses
Injury:
Although not a direct weakness to his game, his season ending knee injury against Penn State this year has lowered his draft stock. Teams who were willing to select him will now be more cautious when he is still on the board.
Offense:
Offensively, Anunoby is still extremely raw. He doesn’t have an NBA ready offensive skill set. Much like Roberson, his defense will be what makes him attractive. He is not a great shooter, having shot 31.1% from 3, and 56.3% from the free throw line before his injury. He can get to the rim with his athleticism, but he doesn’t have many moves/skills around the basket. He also sometimes gets lost in games offensively. He can have a game where he scores in double figures and contributes in many phases offensively, but then can have a game where he doesn’t offer much at all. He struggles with consistency. Lastly, he is not a playmaker for other teammates. This can be a problem because when he is having a bad offensive night, his game doesn’t help his teammates, or make them better.
Overview
His injury has definitely affected his draft stock, and potentially will move him out of the lottery. His offensive game is raw, but his defensive potential as a lockdown defender in the NBA has many people intrigued. He has shown flashes of offensive potential, but it will need to improve when he gets to the next level. His athleticism and size makes him one of the most physically talented prospects.