Should the Blazers Draft UCLA Freshman Anigbogu to Help Down Low?
By Ty Delbridge
RCP thinks Portland should select a Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA with one of their picks.
The Blazers have 3 first round picks, in this years NBA draft. They will be picking at 15,20,and 27. They do not have the cap space to go out and get talent in this years free agency. And one of the biggest needs is a athletic, backup center.
Ike Anigbogu is a 6’10 230 pounds freshman from UCLA and only played about 13 minutes a game. He averaged 4.7 points,4 rebounds,1.2 blocks. But his stats Per 40 minutes are very impressive14.5 points,12.4 rebounds,and 3.7 blocks.
He is a strong leaper and that allows him to grab rebounds, get put-back dunks, and block shots.
"Per DraftExpress ” The intrigue with Anigbogu starts with his excellent frame, standing 6’10” with long arms, an excellent standing reach, and a strong lower body. He’s also quick on his feet, fast off the ground, changes direction well, has a very quick second jump, and brings a consistently high energy level, providing him with many of the attributes that NBA teams look for in the modern NBA big man. Those physical tools provide Anigbogu with a strong starting point, allowing him to make an impact even as his overall skill level catches up.”"
Fitting the Blazers
The Blazers need a player like him to back up Jusuf Nurkic. When Nurkic was out with his leg injury, the Blazers missed his physical play down low.
Anigbogu would give the Blazers a DeAndre Jordan potential of a player coming off the bench. An athletic, rim running and shot blocking center. Only 18 years old, Anigbogu has a ton of room to grow in skill level and his physical body for the NBA and to be the type of player Jordan is.
He doesn’t provide much right now on the offensive end, but all Portland needs him to do is the dirty work down low.
Portland has their center for next year in Nurkic and a solid backup in Ed Davis. That would give Anigbogu time to progress at his own speed and really work with the coaching staff to hone his skills. He’s also a backup plan if Nurkic and Davis don’t pan out.
I’d also be curious, because of the Nurkic’s offensive skill-set, if Anigbogu could play together. That would be handful for opposing teams to deal with. Two big, athletic guys playing down low blocking shots and grabbing all the rebounds.
Sounds pretty good. Stay tuned for more draft possibilities with RCP.