In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/> In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/>
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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks And A Full Round 1

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) reacts after dunking the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) reacts after dunking the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Denver Nuggets: Ike Anigbogu, UCLA Bruins

Position: Center
Age: 18 (10/22/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.75″, 252 pounds, 7’6.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .564/.000/.535
2016-17 Season Averages: 13.0 MPG, 4.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.4 ORPG, 1.2 BPG

If you’re basing it solely on the advanced metric, Nikola Jokic has become one of the best players in the NBA. He produces otherworldly offensive numbers for a player both at his age and position, and his rebounding numbers are just as impressive.

If there’s any one area in which Jokic can be relentlessly criticized, however, it’s defense—and that’s where Ike Anigbogu comes into play.

Anigbogu didn’t get much run while playing for the UCLA Bruins, but he’s a tenacious rebounder and an imposing shot-blocker with a 7’6” wingspan. He proved as much by finishing the 2016-17 season with averages of 12.4 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per 40 minutes.

He works his tail off on the boards, a trait that Denver has proven to value, and has the tools to alleviate defensive pressure from Jokic.

Nothing should matter more to Denver in the 2017 NBA Draft than finding a player who can anchor the defense. Until proven otherwise, Jokic is weak on defense, and neither Kenneth Faried nor Mason Plumlee have proven to be interior anchors.

Denver ranked No. 29 in points allowed per 100 possessions and No. 27 in points allowed in the paint in 2016-17. Anigbogu could be the solution.

The New York Knicks are unlikely to be interested in Anigbogu, but he could make sense if Phil Jackson wants a rim protector.

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