With the trade deadline and the All-Star Break behind us, the season full of pain and disappointment will be coming to a close soon. With a ton of cap space and what will likely be a top-10, potentially top-5 pick in the 2020 draft, this will be a big off-season for the Pistons. We will be covering potential draft and free agency prospects over the next couple months. We will be starting with the dominant big man Onyeka Okongwu of the University of the Southern California, formerly of Chino Hills High School.
Overview
Okongwu, who was relatively unknown as a recruit (which could be due to being overshadowed by former high school teammate, potential #1 overall pick LaMelo Ball), has shot up the draft boards since the early months of the college basketball season. The suspension and then departure of C James Wiseman, who was once the consensus #1 overall pick, left Okongwu as the clear #1 center in college basketball.
In his first season for the Trojans, Okongwu, at 6 foot 9, 245 lbs, is currently averaging 16.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, on 61% from the field. Okongwu is 8th in the Pac-12 in scoring, 2nd in blocks per game, 1st in FG%, and 4th in rebounds. There is no doubt that he is the best player in his conference.
Strengths
One way to describe Okongwu is that he is a freak athlete. At 6’9, 245 pounds, Okonwgu is certainly undersized at the center position, but he more than makes up for it with his insane leaping ability, as well as having the speed and agility of a guard, and crazy explosiveness. This athleticism makes him an elite shot-blocker, and a great and willing dunker, much like Christian Wood. These two skills are both good examples of skills that can translate very well to the NBA.
Okonwgu has phenomenal touch close to the basket, which is why he is such an efficient shot-taker. He is also very good at drawing contact to get to the line. His efficiency in the post, including his ability to make hook-shots and post-spin shots is something that Drummond often lacked, giving the Pistons more scoring versatility, which will pair well with both Blake Griffin and Sekou Doumbouya, who space the floor well.
Not only is Okongwu is an elite post-defender, he can also handle himself on the perimeter. While he isn’t elite against quick guards, since he lacks some of the lateral quickness necessary, his athleticism, hands, and high motor stops him from being a liability, and makes him a very switchable defender.
Okonwgu, a freshman currently 19 years old, fits the Pistons timeline perfectly. He is just 12 days older than rookie Sekou Doumbouya, which gives them the potential to grow into a dynamic duo in a just a few years. They also pair together really well. Doumbouya’s shooting allows Okongwu to be by himself in the paint, giving scoring opportunities for both. Both players are great in a pick-and-roll set, and both appear to develop into elite fast-break and transition players.
Weaknesses
Okongwu is a very polished prospect, but he is not without his flaws. He is a horrible distance-shooter. Through 24 games, he has only attempted 3 three-point shots, making 0 of them. One thing to note is he is a good free throw shooter and has good shooting mechanics, so developing a better shot from distance isn’t out of the question.
He is also not a good passer. His 1.8 turnovers per game is understandable due to his high usage, but his 1.1 assists per game is not what you want to see from someone who has the ball that much. You could argue that the lack of talent around him makes it difficult to get assists, but many players have done more with less.
Many claim that Okonwgu is an unproven prospect, who has inflated stats due to playing against weak competition. It is unquestionable that he hasn’t faced the best of competition. Having played against ranked teams only 4 times this season, and losing all 4 of them, may make Okongwu’s stats look better than what they should. This is hard to decide, because despite having great averages against bad teams, he has also looked good against the good teams. In the Trojans latest game, a 70-66 loss to the #18 Colorado Buffaloes, Okongwu put up 21 points on 10-13 shooting, with 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and a block. In their 79-70 2OT loss against the #12 Oregon Ducks, Okonwgu put up 23 points, with 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, and played 46 minutes. Okonwgu has had the benefit of playing against lesser competition, but is that a valid criticism, when he dominates just as much against good teams? Time will have to tell.
NBA Comparison
An undersized, defensive anchor, with good post abilities, Okongwu’s build and archetype remind us of the first-time All-Star this year in Miami, Bam Adebayo.
Okongwu and Adebayo both stand at 6’9, weighing 245 and 255 respectively, with 7’+ wingspans, and the ability to play both PF and C, the similarities between the two are obvious. They both score in very similar ways, and both offer defensive and offensive versatility. Neither have great jumpshots or are great passers, but Adebayo has developed in those areas since coming into the league, which gives the hope that Okonwgu can do the same.
In a weak draft class, superstar potential this year is limited. If any team can walk away with a Bam Adebayo level player, call it a win.
Outlook
Onyeka Okonwgu is a very intriguing prospect. Despite his lack of a jumpshot, his insane athleticism, defensive versatility, and post game show he has the potential to be a star in the modern NBA. With his floor looking like being the next Tristan Thompson, who was a key piece to a great Finals run in Cleveland, Okonwgu is a very safe pick. You may not be getting a big-name superstar, but you will be getting a great player for years.
If the Pistons don’t land him, my prediction is he goes to Minnesota and forms the prototypical modern NBA Big 3 with Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.
Be on the lookout over the next couple months for more draft and free-agency prospects, including Killian Hayes, Tyrese Haliburton, and more.
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