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Atlanta Hawks: Is OG Anunoby The Perfect Draft Fit?

By Collin Huguley

Jan 10, 2017; College Park, MD, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) dunks over Maryland Terrapins forward Damonte Dodd (35) during the second half at Xfinity Center. Maryland Terrapins defeated Indiana Hoosiers 75-72. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; College Park, MD, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) dunks over Maryland Terrapins forward Damonte Dodd (35) during the second half at Xfinity Center. Maryland Terrapins defeated Indiana Hoosiers 75-72. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Even though he is coming off of an injury, the Atlanta Hawks should try everything in order to draft Indiana’s OG Anunoby.

The 2017 NBA Draft is a vital one for the Atlanta Hawks.

They hold the No. 19 pick of the first round and in a deep draft class, could find some solid value for the slot. There are a variety of prospects that could be available in that slot. There are excellent, established college players that could have a high floor but lower ceiling. There are also some project players that are more boom-or-bust.

But there is one prospect that the Hawks should go after relentlessly.

Indiana forward OG Anunoby is coming off of a right knee injury that ended his sophomore season with the Hoosiers. But his potential is immense and would be an absolute steal for the Hawks.

Yes, Anunoby could go much higher than No. 19. If he were healthy, he would likely be a lock for the top 10-12. But with the injury, he could slide to No. 19. Or he could slide far enough to where the Hawks could jump up a few spots to grab him.

Anunoby is raw on the offensive end but his physical tools make him a very attractive prospect.

At 6-foot-8, 215 pounds, Anunoby has the size to play either forward spot and has the length (a wingspan well over seven-foot) to defend any position. He is an explosive athlete that can play above the rim and finish with authority. Anunoby is a prototypical athlete with the versatility needed in today’s NBA.

The former Hoosier is also an extraordinary defender.

Anunoby averaged 3.2 steals and 3.1 blocks per 100 possesions over his two seasons at Indiana and could guard everyone from big men to scoring guards.

And on offense, Anunoby made great strides during his sophomore season. He averaged 11.1 points per game on 55.7 percent shooting. The combo forward also has a developing jump shot that is getting smoother from mid-range and from beyond the arc. The ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket also improved from Anunoby this season.

Anunoby has absolutely elite defensive potential and ability. But his offensive game has great potential as well because of his athleticism and strength, which give him the talent to be an inside-outside threat.

All of these tools in the Hawks system give Anunoby a terrific chance to succeed. Because who else took a nice leap as a two-way combo forward when arriving in Atlanta? Paul Millsap.

Anunoby is a far better athlete than Millsap and has even better defensive potential. The offense will be the biggest determining factor in Anunoby’s development. But if the Hawks can coach him up like they did Millsap, his offensive ability will come around.

Next: Statistical Analysis of Atlanta's Most-Used Lineups

Anunoby may be hard to obtain for the Hawks. But his potential is sky high and new general manager Travis Schlenk should do whatever it takes to obtain him. Because he could be Millsap’s heir apparent. With an even higher ceiling. Seriously, watch the highlight video. It’s wild.