NBA Draft: How Onyeka Okongwu fits with Golden State Warriors

Onyeka Okongwu could become the best player from his NBA Draft class. Here is how he fits with the Golden State Warriors.

Onyeka Okongwu might end up being the biggest steal in this upcoming NBA Draft. He is projected to be a late lottery pick but could be worth the Golden State Warriors No. 2 overall pick. He has all of the tools needed to be a successful player in today’s NBA.

I personally love Okongwu’s game. He has the prototypical build of a small-ball center and is already so effective at defending the rim. A little bit of polishing will make him a serious threat on both ends of the floor. The Warriors can offer a perfect location for him to hone in on his skills.

Best Role: Rim Runner

Let’s start off by looking at what role Okongwu would fill with the Warriors.

Without a doubt, Okongwu would be at his best as a rim runner. He averaged nearly 3 blocks per game as a freshman at USC and should have similar success in the pros. Though he is a bit undersized at 6’9″, Okongwu’s long arms and leaping ability give him all he needs to block shots at a high rate.

Offensively, Okongwu shot above 60 percent from the field. His broad shoulders helped him bully smaller opponents to finish shots above and around the rim. Okongwu is an easy target for lobs within the Warriors’ offense.

Spot in Rotation: Starting Center

Drafting Okongwu only makes sense if the Warriors plan on starting the big fella. He is already developed on the defensive end and ready to have an impact. Placing him alongside Draymond Green buffs the Warriors’ interior while also maintaining a sense of speed and versatility due to Okongwu’s athleticism.

Risk: Spacing Problems

The biggest downside to Okongwu is his lack of a 3-point shot. He connected on 1-of-4 deep attempts last season and doesn’t have much tough outside of the paint. This could hinder the Warriors if Green continues to be in a shooting slump as well.

Regardless, Okongwu has a similar build to that of Bam Adebayo, a player he should be drawing comparisons to. Teaching him how to pass the ball and drill mid-range shots would turn him into a jack of all trades. For this reason, the Warriors should heavily consider taking Okongwu.