Portland Trail Blazers: 5 draft prospects that can add frontcourt depth

Ike Anigbogu || C || 18 years old || 6’10”, 252 lbs.

Both Draft Express and Sports Illustrated have Ike Anigbogu going 15th to the Portland Trailblazers. Playing for UCLA this past season, Anigbogu averaged 14.5 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per 40 minutes.

He notably boasts a 7-foot-6 wingspan, which translates to a 9-foot-2 standing reach. In addition, he posted a 32.5-inch max vertical leap at the 2017 NBA Draft Combine.

According to Draft Express, not only is Anigbogu a solid defender on the low block, but he also shows potential in defending the pick-and-roll, which is a skill that has become increasingly more desired by NBA teams with the advent of the three-point shot:

"“Another area where Anigbogu can impact the game defensively is in the pick and roll, a key for a big man in today’s NBA,” writes Derek Bodner. “He does a good job of zoning a pick and roll, dropping back to cut off a driving lane while having the quickness and length to recover and challenge a perimeter shot. He’s a little bit inconsistent in this regard, especially in his stance, but the potential is clearly there. Anigbogu is also a strong post defender, with the size and strength to hold his position and the length to contest shots.”"

Coming off their fourth straight playoffs appearance, the Blazers are in the position to consider taking on a project like Anigbogu, who meets the team’s need for an athletic backup big man with great physical tools and defensive upside.

And with Nurkic acting as the main scoring threat inside, Portland can take its time developing Anigbogu’s offensive game, instead focusing on fine-tuning his skills protecting the rim.