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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks and the value of the point guard

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) controls the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) controls the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) dunks the ball against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA basketball game at Galen Center. USC defeated UCLA 84-76. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) dunks the ball against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA basketball game at Galen Center. USC defeated UCLA 84-76. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Milwaukee Bucks: 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

The Milwaukee Bucks have a surplus of promising young talent, but what’s missing is a rim protector. Small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee in blocks per game in 2016-17, and that was both a product of his supreme versatility and the absence of interior resistance.

Even more important than finding a rim protector is improving the effort on the boards, and UCLA big man Ike Anigbogu would help in both regards.

Ike Anigbogu has elite physical gifts for the center position at 6’10” and 252 pounds with an 7’6” wingspan. Beyond the physical measurements, Anigbogu is a productive rebounder and intimidating shot-blocker.

Anigbogu is still something of a project player, but the Bucks have proven willing to take chances on prospects of that cut and nature.

Defensively, Anigbogu could be the player who alleviates pressure from Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jabari Parker by both producing and enforcing a physical style. Offensively, his ability to crash the boards, run the floor, and finish above the rim would add a new interior element.

Anigbogu isn’t an option for the New York Knicks, but he could be a thorn in their side in the budding rivalry between these two teams.

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