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2017 NBA Draft: Top small forwards Chicago Bulls should target

By Carlos Nazario

Dec 31, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Devon Hall (0) shoots the ball as Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Seminoles won 60-58. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Devon Hall (0) shoots the ball as Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Seminoles won 60-58. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

OG Anunoby, Indiana (6-foot-8, 232 pounds)

Anunoby came into college as an unheralded freshman. He made strides during the season, especially in the NCAA Tournament. Playing against Kentucky, he shut down future top-ten pick Jamal Murray. A lot was expected during his sophomore season.

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Anunoby played well in his second season, averaging 17.6 points, 2.3 assist, 2.1 steals, 2.1 blocks, and 8.7 rebounds per 40 minutes. He had a true shooting percentage of 61.1 percent. He played particularly well against the top teams, North Carolina and Kansas.

Then in January his and the Hoosiers season ended. He suffered a torn ACL that required surgery.

That injury changed the course of his projection. Instead of being one of the top picks of the drafts, many expect him to go in the middle of it. His injury may turn out to be helpful to the Bulls.

Yes, I know the Bulls and their fans are leery of players with ACL tears after what happened to Derrick Rose. I think Anunoby’s dedication to rehab may be a little more than Rose’s, however. Things are different when you are on the precipice of changing your life. When you already have your future sealed with a basketball and shoe contract, your perspective is different.

This is what he said about his rehab.

"I have a lot of motivation because I know a lot of players have came back better than ever, and I want to do the same. This has been the chance for me to work on ball-handling, my shooting mechanics, shooting consistency, free-throw shooting, creating for others and myself, defending position-less basketball – those are the keys for me at the next level. My rehab has been going great, doing a lot of strength drills and core work. I can do set shots, and now I need to get more dynamic as the months continue. I’ll be jogging, shooting, working on my strength soon. I want people to know how hardworking of a player I am."

Anunoby has the ability to play the three (small forward), four (power forward), or even the five (center). He is a defensive force, something the Bulls like. He has good footwork and plays well above the rim. While he can also score on spot-up jumpers or straight to the rim drives, you cannot depend on him creating his shot just yet. He needs to work on his ball-handling skills and his play in the pick-and-roll and isolation.

Anunoby’s defensive prowess and his ability to hit the boards makes him ready for the NBA now. If he puts work in on his shooting, he could be a star in the NBA.

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