The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft lottery

By Christopher Kline

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. SF/PF. O.G. Anunoby. 6. player. 38. Scouting Report. Indiana

I had O.G. eighth on my draft board in June. His defensive profile was always impressive, even if his injury left some teams worried. He wasn’t expected to recover as quickly as he did, which is part of the reason Toronto was able to steal him at 23.

Now that we’ve seen Anunoby in action, though, it’s clear his two-way potential was worth a top-10 pick. The Magic still need a point guard, but Anunoby’s elite defensive presence and rapid offensive growth is too much to pass up on.

A forward combo of Aaron Gordon and Anunoby is legitimately something you can build around. Their offense might falter without more reliable shot-making, but Anunoby has shown he can space the floor and Gordon continues to add to his offensive repertoire. It’s a good starting point for a rebuild that needs a spark.