5. OG Anunoby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2hngckrOVw

Age:19  Size: 6-foot-8, 235 pounds 

2016-17 Stats: 11.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 apg

If the Nuggets want to take the player with the highest ceiling outside of the top-3 prospects, OG Anunoby is their guy. Boasting sheer athleticism and raw intangibles on both ends of the floor, Anunoby has the potential to be a superstar in the NBA – if he can get healthy and continue to fine tune his game.

A knee injury cut his sophomore season short. The fact that Anunoby may be forced to sit out his entire rookie season has caused stock his stock to drop.

If it weren’t for the injury, Anunoby would likely be a top-5 pick. Luckily for the Nuggets, he is expected to be available at 13, if they decide they want to take a risk. Mock drafts have him going anywhere from 13 to the late 20s, but Denver would be wise to bring him on board for a couple of reasons.

The first reason being the fact that he will miss time. While being sidelined is never a good thing, it could benefit the Nuggets due to their current roster complexion. Whoever the Nuggets draft, that player will likely struggle to find minutes due to the logjam of young talent Denver already has. With Anunoby likely to start the season hurt, it would give the Nuggets time to make sure he is right and develop a plan in which how they want to utilize his skillset.

The second reason being his sheer performance. There is a lot to like with Anunoby. From his freakish athleticism to his versatility on both ends of the floor, Anunoby is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year draft.

Anunoby struggles at creating his shot at times, but that would not be a huge problem if Denver were to draft him thanks to Jokic’s offensive skillset. Anunoby is at his best offensively while in transition or the open court, the style of play Denver runs. In addition, his explosiveness makes him a threat to get to the hoop any time he has the ball in his hands.

While his offensive potential is eye-catching, his defensive ability fits Denver’s needs too as well. The Nuggets’ defense is in need of a total rebrand, and it could start if they draft Anunoby. He is athletic enough to guard virtually all positions, and while he only stands at 6-foot-8, he can defend in elite form.

Anunoby is one of the most fascinating players in the draft. The injury to the knee is the only major question mark surrounding him. His raw skills have superstar potential written all over them, and with Denver’s current situation, taking a risk on a player who could blossom into the next big thing in the NBA makes all the sense in the world.