Thunderous Intentions
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2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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OG Anunoby
Jan 10, 2017; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) dunks over Maryland Terrapins forward Damonte Dodd (35). Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Needs:

Defense, frontcourt versatility and depth, speedy 2-way wings.

Free Agents:

  • None

Roster Gaps:

Defensive specialists, 3 and D players, frontcourt spacers who can also guard their position, small forward with offensive versatility but an emphasis on defensive prowess.

OG Anunoby:

As for OG Anunoby  in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"What separates Anunoby from most prospects however, is his elite defense. For a person of his size and stature, he has excellent footwork. This allows him not only to switch onto smaller defenders, but also be able to stick with them. This is where his absurd length comes into play. Anunoby will be able to force players into making difficult shots and/or making bad passes. According to Draftexpress.com, he averaged 2.2 blocks and steals per 40 minutes. Of course, he also has the ability to battle down low in the post. This type of versatility is what makes players like Draymond Green such a valuable commodity in today’s league. OG Anunoby has all-NBA defensive potential and should be a nightmare for team’s best scoring options in a few years."

Overview:

Despite their handing out horrendous contracts like Halloween candy last summer, it could be worse for Portland. Before going any further, remember this is a team that lost four of their starters just two years ago. They’ve yet to miss the playoffs since. In the ever-tough Western Conference, that in-and-of-itself is a feat.

That being said, there’s plenty of room for improvement in the Pacific Northwest. Portland can look to solve almost all of their issues in their draft. Or at least start to. First and foremost is a perimeter defender.

Both McCollum and Lillard are offensive studs, but neither can defend well, which is problematic when both are on the court. Second, they need a versatile four. Al-Farouq Aminu has done well as their small-ball four, but in reality, he’s more of a three, and outside of the playoffs, he’s mostly a non-factor on offense. Finally, their trade for Jusuf Nurkic saved their season, but Portland still needs defensive-minded depth at the five.

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