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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Dec 31, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) takes a shot against Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Louisville defeats Indiana 77-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) takes a shot against Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Louisville defeats Indiana 77-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Portland Trail Blazers: OG Anunoby, Indiana Hoosiers

Position: Small Forward
Age: 19 (7/17/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7.75″, 232 pounds, 7’2.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .557/.311/.563
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.1 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.3 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 3PM

In terms of a safe upside comparison, OG Anunoby is essentially a younger version of Al-Farouq Aminu. On a rookie-scale contract, he’d also be an inherently more affordable option than Aminu, which offers reason for intrigue to a team that broke the bank in 2016.

Drafting a player with a history of knee injuries to Portland is a difficult proposition to accept, but the Trail Blazers desperately need defense.

Cold weather and knee injuries rarely go together, and that alone could force the Trail Blazers to look elsewhere. In terms of what’s offered on the court, however, Anunoby is the potentially elite defender whom Portland has been desperately searching for.

With Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum both establishing themselves as lackluster on-ball defenders, Portland needs elite play at the other three positions.

Anunoby is capable of defending small forwards and power forwards, as well as shooting guards—assuming his knee properly recovers. Offensively, he’s a capable shooter who can play above the rim and create with improving consistency.

Anunoby is something of a project player, but he’s Aminu with a higher ceiling and a potentially cheaper contract. That has to appeal to Neil Olshey.

Read here why the New York Knicks should give consideration to drafting OG Anunoby.

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