NBA

2017 NBA Mock Draft: Who Each Lottery Team Should Pick

Brett Oswalt  —  @bRo14thekid May 18th, 2017
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow

11. Charlotte Hornets: Ike Anigbogu, C

Team needs: Center efficiency, offensive rebounding, inside scoring

After 10 picks, stretch-four Lauri Markkanen and point guard Frank Ntilikina are the top-rated prospects on the board. Too bad Marvin Williams and Kemba Walker have those same positions on lock in Charlotte. But could the Bugs' current situation be a blessing in disguise?

In 2016-17, center was the position at which the Hornets were most exploited, to the tune of a 20.8 PER, according to 82games. Their 8.8 offensive rebounds were 26th in the NBA and their offensive rebound rate (19.9%) was no better. The same goes for their inside scoring, where they produced just 27.7 field goals (22nd in the league) on 48.8% shooting from inside the three-point line.

UCLA's Anigbogu is no scorer. He averaged just 19.6 points per 100 possessions this past season. However, he added 16.7 rebounds per 100 possessions and played his way to an offensive rebound percentage of 13.2%. His 6'10", 250-pound frame could carve out the necessary space to add cheap points from around the hoop.

Prev Next