4 players Memphis Grizzlies missed out on in 2017 draft
No. 3: OG Anunoby
Pick: 23rd
OG Anunoby had lottery potential before a knee injury derailed his draft stock… I promise, I’ll start talking about players that were healthy before the draft.
Anunoby was picked up by the Raptors and immediately found big minutes on the best team in the Eastern Conference. He even took a starting spot from Norman Powell, who had just received an extension in the offseason.
As a 6’6” forward with a 7’2” wingspan, he can guard multiple positions, as he has the speed and length to bother most perimeter players. In addition, he’s worked on his 3-point game – one of his biggest weaknesses in college. So far this season, he’s shooting 35.3 percent from deep, and he could become a solid 3-and-D wing for years to come.
Anunoby would’ve been a nice player for the Grizzlies at the 20th pick. He fits a need, as the Grizzlies need perimeter shooting (what’s new, though?) and a stopper to replace Tony Allen. However, if they had him, who says they would’ve had Dillon Brooks – who’s been so much better than him this year?
Having both Anuonoby and Brooks would’ve been nice, as these two players could’ve been good 3-and-D wings for the next Grizzlies core.