The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Top 10 Prospects to Watch, 3rd Edition

By Christopher Kline

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Anunoby is an elite defender. It’s that simple. With ridiculously strong legs and a well-built frame, the 6-8 forward as all the tools needed to excel as a two-way player in the NBA. He burst onto the scene during last season’s tournament, and is continuing to show signs of somebody who could become a really nice player at the next level.

He’s still rounding out his game offensively, but Anunoby is simply at a different level when it comes to defensive upside. His strength should allow him to switch onto either forward position effectively at the next level, while his gritty, instintual nature is reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard in some ways. He’s the same type of physical freak that the former Defensive Player of the Year is, and has skill level needed to evolve into that type of two-way star.

Although he’s still figuring it out offensively in some ways, Anunoby has shown plenty of strides in that respect. He’s shooting a respectable 35 percent from deep this season, and is a dangerous cutter given his strength and explosiveness at the rim. He has shown some nice touch as a passer on some occasions as well, and continues to develop nicely as his feel for the game develops — after he got a late start with the game in high school.

Where he fits with the Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia is in dire need of depth on the wing, and Anunoby helps massively in that category. He’s an elite defender to place alongside Embiid’s interior presence, and somebody capable of guarding the opposition’s best player regardless of position — an role that is only loosely given to Robert Covington in desperate situations at this point.

Offensively, his improved shooting makes him someone who could easily work off of Simmons as both a slasher and a spot-up scorer. He won’t make big dents in the box score on the offensive end early on, but has the tools needed to carve out a sustainable niche nonetheless.

Given Philadelphia’s incredible lack of talent at the two and three spots, Anunoby would be welcome relief on the perimeter. Anytime you have the chance to land a generational defender, there’s reason to consider it — even if it’s in the top half of the lottery.

Expert’s Opinion — Sam Vecenie, Sporting News/Yahoo

"You really only have to look at the Hoosiers’ loss to Fort Wayne to find the stellar impact Anunoby makes on defense. Anunoby barely played in that game due to a stomach bug, and the team really struggled without him. As the NBA continues to go toward positionless wings and switching defenses, Anunoby profiles as the best defensive prospect in this class due to his ability to guard a wide variety of players. His ability to hit shots also should help him get on the floor earlier as a floor spacer."

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