2017 NBA Mock Draft: Who will the Indiana Pacers select at No. 18?
89. . C. UCLA. Ike Anigbogu. 17. player
The rim is safe in Ike Anigbogu’s giant hands. The big man out of UCLA projects to be a perfect modern center, capable of throwing down scary lobs and holding down the back line on defense. Think DeAndre Jordan or Clint Capela. That’s Anigbogu’s ceiling.
Fit is a bit of an issue in Milwaukee, since Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thon Maker look to have the rim protection department locked down. The Bucks don’t really have a clear position of need, however, and Anigbogu will likely top out as a great backup center anyway.
Adelaide. Terrance Ferguson. 18. player. 100. . SG
Newly minted Pacers president Kevin Pritchard has mentioned several times that his team needs better size for position. Indiana also has a sizable hole at the shooting guard position. Terrance Ferguson could help with both of those things. He’s 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, and could potentially play a bit at the three if Paul George finds himself elsewhere.
A threesome of Lance Stephenson, Ferguson and Myles Turner could be elite defensively. Ferguson’s issues will lie more on the offensive side of the ball. He’s got a long way to go as a shooter and creator, but he’s had some hot streaks that create hope of something more down the line.