Prospects the Philadelphia 76ers Should Watch for in the 2017 Draft Class

SF OG Anunoby, Indiana, SO

OG Aununoby was a surprise impact during last year’s tournament, bursting onto the scene as an elite defensive stopper on the wing and a high energy contributor who had gone relatively unnoticed for the majority of the season prior. Standing at 6’8” with a long reach and a strong core, Anunboy is the first returning college player mentioned on the list and a highly unique prospect that the Sixers could target as a later first round possibility.

OG wasn’t much of a factor more most of last season, so his draft is in many ways still up in the air in terms of where it could stand at the end of this upcoming season. If he continues to ball hawking defensive output and excellent energy on both sides of the ball that he showcased in the tournament, he could feasibly sneak into the lottery conversation. However, with that said, an uninspiring season could leave him towards the end of the first as a largely unproven asset. Regardless of where he ends up, his potential at the next level is something the Sixers should definitely take note of. Offensively, he’s a strong slasher with explosive finishing skills around the basket, albeit his perimeter scoring remains underdeveloped in a number of aspects. He is, however, an intelligent player for someone at his stage in development and shows a lot of 76er-type qualities on the floor in terms of willingness to learn at ability to out-hustle his opposition.

Defensively is where Onunoby’s impact will be most greatly felt. He’s an elite athlete at the three spot who can switch onto any position without hindrance on the perimeter. His body in NBA-ready in the mold of, almost, a Kawhi Leonard and he is an ultra-motivated stopper on that side of the ball. He’s more than willing to put a body on the opposition’s most talented player and takes the challenge of shutting him down to heart. He projects beyond well to the next level as a wing defender, who hustles on the boards and excels in transition off of forced turnovers as well.

Onunoby isn’t a seamless team fit for the Sixers on paper, but as a potential late first rounder, his defensive prowess is something any team should consider. He’s going to hit the gym at full throttle on his first day with the team and is someone that will continuously work to get better himself and put the team in an overarching position to win basketball games to the best of his ability.

Next: 9. Allen