Golden State Warriors: Ranking top 3 centers in NBA Draft
By Tony Pesta
2. Onyeka Okongwu
There isn’t a big man in the 2020 NBA Draft that is more versatile on both ends of the floor than Onyeka Okongwu. Will this be the difference-maker in Golden State’s decision?
Pros
Most obviously, Okongwu’s speed and strength make him an interesting prospect. He is the ideal build for modern-day NBA team’s that love to switch everything on defense. Okongwu should be able to protect the rim and move his feet against players on the perimeter.
Offensively, Okongwu will finish his looks around the rim. He is athletic enough to be an ariel threat on pick-and-rolls and will be able to rack up boards at a high-rate. It won’t take much other than good passing to get Okongwu some easy scoring opportunities.
Cons
On the downside, Okongwu doesn’t have the height of many other dominant NBA centers. This shouldn’t be too much of a factor though as he is actually an inch taller than Bam Adebayo – who was one of the best defenders in basketball last season.
Nonetheless, his lack of size could hurt him against taller players. Furthermore, he has some ways to go as a 3-point shooter. Expanding his range and developing as a passer will be the keys to his success at the NBA level.