Chicago Bulls: Top 5 realistic 2017 NBA Draft targets
1. Ike Anigbogu, UCLA
Age: 18
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 252 pounds
Wingspan: 7-foot-6
2016/17 Stats (per game): 4.7 points, 4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in only 13 minutes per game.
After putting together a list exclusively of knock-down outside shooters, my favorite target for the Chicago Bulls in the 2017 NBA Draft is a guy who cannot shoot a lick. As I mentioned earlier, the Bulls need to find a way to turn their roster more modern. While that certainly means finding some outside shooting, they also need to get more athletic and versatile on the defensive end of the court. Taking UCLA center Ike Anigbogu would certainly be a step in the right direction.
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An extremely raw offensive talent, Anigbogu played limited minutes at UCLA as a freshman. Even with that being the case, the big man was able to have a massive impact on the defensive side of the court.
Anigbogu is an elite rim protector who shows the ability to block shots from anywhere. He is a big, long, powerful and athletic post player who consistently finds a way to alter shots. Simply put, Anigbogu will always be a guy who can make an impact on defense.
His aggressiveness is part of what makes Anigbogu such an exciting prospect. However, it can also be a weakness in his game. The UCLA product struggled with fouls as a freshman, seemingly always finding himself in foul trouble despite not playing major minutes. That is obviously something that he will have to clean up at the next level.
Anigbogu is not only an elite shot blocker. He shows the quickness and athleticism to defend the perimeter extremely well for a big man. I think he could grow into a versatile defender who could be a weapon against the pick and roll. As a rebounder, Anigbogu is raw but his upside there is obvious. He seems to particularly have a knack for attacking the offensive boards.
Offensively, Anigbogu is unlikely to ever become a big-time weapon. He can make some plays in transition and while attacking the basket in the pick and roll. That being said, he is never going to be able to create his own offense. His jump shot is also pretty ugly.
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However, as a strong defender who could grow into an elite defensive weapon, I like the idea of the Bulls taking a shot on the upside of Anigbogu. He is the kind of player who could anchor their defense for many years. He should be among the top targets for the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall pick.