Anunoby has the makings of the best perimeter defender in this year’s class, with a midseason torn ACL likely being the only thing withholding him from the top 10 conversation at this point. At 6-8 with a wingspan potentially surpassing 7-4, Anunoby has an incredibly well-developed set of physical tools, with the strength and flexibility needed to guard four positions at an extremely high level.
There are some fundamental aspects of O.G.’s game that could use some polish, but his energy alone helps overcome that. He plays the passing lanes extremely well, and uses his length and relentless effort to get into his opponents space and force turnovers and contested shots at an impressive clip. He also makes solid rotations into the interior, coming up with the occasional block when put in a scenario to do so.
The Blazers have already addressed frontcourt depth with Robert Williams earlier on, meaning they can add yet another elite defensive prospect on the wing here, giving them — ideally — the best perimeter defender alongside the best interior defender in this year’s class. That could be a special combination.
As their roster currently stands, the Blazers’ depth on the wing remains relatively flimsy. Anunoby’s defensive pedigree is something that’s tough to pass up on this late in the draft, even with the newfound injury concerns his knee now provides. Portland is a team that has needed improved defense for a while now, especially with their backcourt showing such profound deficiencies at times. Anunoby and Williams help that cause immensely.