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New York Knicks: Full 2017 NBA Mock Draft With Upside Comparisons

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 21, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Brandon Childress (0) defends during the second half at PNC Arena. The Demon Deacons won 93-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Brandon Childress (0) defends during the second half at PNC Arena. The Demon Deacons won 93-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) shoots the ball while Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) shoots the ball while Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Chicago Bulls: OG Anunoby, Portland Trail Blazers

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Kawhi Leonard
Safe Upside Comparison: Trevor Ariza
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

The Chicago Bulls have an elite on-ball defender in Jimmy Butler, but he needs help on the defensive end of the floor. Finding offense will be a priority for Chicago, as well, but Butler needs a teammate who can defend an opponents’ best scorer on a nightly basis.

Butler will still take his turn at defending elite scorers, if only because of his pride, but having a player like OG Anunoby would alleviate a significant measure of pressure.

Anunoby has been compared to San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard, and there’s good reason for it. The foundation is in place for elite defensive execution, including similar measurables to Leonard, and his outside shot is at least respectable.

There’s no telling how well Anunoby will be able to recover from his recent knee injury, but the physical profile and defensive potential he possesses are similar to Leonard’s.

A safer comparison for Anunoby may be current Houston Rockets small forward Trevor Ariza. Ariza isn’t an elite shooter or defender, but he’s above-average in both regards and Anunoby has the potential to achieve that same status.

The Bulls need a defensive player who can alleviate pressure from Butler more than they do a scorer, and Anunoby has star potential on both ends of the floor.

If the New York Knicks acquire a second first-round draft pick, Anunoby should be at the top of the list of priorities.

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