Miami Heat: 3 big men draft prospects brought in for workouts

4 of 4

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA

Prospect breakdown:

Age: 18
Height/Wingspan/Weight: 6’10”, 7’6.25″, 230 pounds
Sophomore year averages:
- 4.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.2 ASP, 0.2 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 0.8 TOV, 56.4 FG%, 0 Threes Attempted, 53.5 FT%, 13.0 MPG
Draft Express Mock Position: 1st round, 15th overall pick

Strengths:

Anigbogu is the rawest of the bunch, while also possessing the highest ceiling. Still merely 18 years old. Monstrous measurables (over a 7-foot-6 wingspan). Averaged 12.4 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per 40 minutes; great rebounder and beast rim protector. Defensive upside is through the roof. The Ringer compared him to Tristan Thompson, which is the exact type of big man teams covet in today’s NBA. Potentially has the ability to force teams out of small-ball lineups if he pans out.

Weaknesses:

Not a great scorer, as he averaged fewer than 15 points per 40 minutes. According to Draft Express, hands and touch around the rim are poor. They also mention that his ability to become anything other than an “energy big” should be viewed as a knock. I disagree with that, for the record. Thompson doesn’t provide the Cavs with much other than hustle and rebounding, and he’s one of the most important players in the upcoming Finals. That’s a crucial role to play.

Final verdict:

If some of the other higher-rated targets on Miami’s board (like OG Anunoby, Justin Jackson and Zach Collins) are gone by No. 14, then they have to go with the best player available. Anigbogu’s ridiculous upside coupled with the Heat’s need for a backup center could make him the right choice.