The 11 fittest players in the 2017 NBA Draft

The 11 fittest players in the 2017 NBA Draft

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By the measure of pure talent and skill, the 2017 NBA Draft was one of the most highly anticipated drafts in years.

But there's a reason people like to joke that NBA also stands for "No Boys Allowed." If players want to last through a rugged, 82-game season, they need the dedication to build and take care of their bodies off the court.

So, yes: Plenty of guys in this year's draft have the skills to pay the bills—but only a select few are already physically built to survive in this league. Based on the eye test, here's a look at some of this year's NBA draftees who are no strangers to putting up weights in the gym.

The 11 fittest players in the 2017 NBA Draft

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1. Edrice "Bam" Adebayo, F, Kentucky Wildcats

Adebayo was drafted by the Miami Heat in the first round with the 14th overall pick. Adebayo averaged 13 points and eight rebounds per game last season with the Wildcats.

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2. Davon Reed, G, Miami Hurricanes

Reed was chosen 32nd in the draft by the Phoenix Suns. He played four years in college, and averaged 14 points per game in his senior season.

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3. Dillon Brooks, G, Oregon Ducks

Brooks was drafted 45th overall in the second round by the Memphis Grizzlies. The 6'5" guard averaged 14 points per game in his three seasons with the Ducks.

Chet Strange / Getty

4. Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville Cardinals

The Utah Jazz selected Mitchell with the 13th overall pick in the draft. Mitchell spent two years with the Cardinals, where he averaged 11 points per game.  

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5. Dwayne Bacon, G, Flordia State Seminoles

Bacon was the 40th pick, going to the Charlotte Hornets. In his two years with the Seminoles, Bacon averaged 16 points per game and five rebounds.

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6. Frank Mason III, G, Kansas Jayhawks

The 2017 College Player of the Year went 34th overall to the Sacramento Kings. Mason spent four years in college, averaging a career-best 20 points per game during his senior season.

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7. Ike Anigbogu, F, UCLA Bruins

The big man from UCLA was selected 47th overall by the Indiana Pacers. In limited minutes, Anigbogu averaged four points per game.

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8. Jordan Bell, F, Oregon Ducks

Bell was selected 38th overall by the defending champion Golden State Warriors. After three seasons with the Ducks, Bell averaged 10 points per game and eight rebounds to finish off his college career.

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9. Lauri Markkanen, F, Arizona Wildcats

Markkanen was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Bulls. The seven-footer averaged 15 points per game and seven rebounds in just one season with the Wildcats.

Joe Robbins / Getty

10. Ogugua "OG" Anunoby, F, Indiana Hoosiers

Anunoby was selceted by the Toronto Raptors with the 23rd overall pick. The 19-year-old forward averaged 11 points per game in limited games with the Hoosiers last season.

Cooper Neill / Getty

11. Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU Mustangs

The AAC player of the year was selected 37th overall by the Boston Celtics. The 6'8" forward transferred to SMU after two seasons with Duke University. Ojeleye averaged 18 points per game and six rebounds to cap off his college career.

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July 13, 2017 at 06:46AM