Onyeka Okongwu Scouting: Discuss

[sailfish]

There are rumors floating that some teams, including Golden State & possibly Charlotte, like Okongwu better than Wiseman. They see Okongwu as the prototypical modern NBA center. Boston is also reportedly trying to trade up for him, so he’s a hot name leading up to the draft. Don’t be surprised if he goes before the Cavaliers’ pick at #5.

 

[Nathan S]

Just to be clear, I'm not saying that Okongwu is better than all those guys right now. His skill set is more limited. I'm just saying that the skills he does have at this point are at least at NBA role-player level for a big guy. Good defender, rim protector, can run the floor, and can hit enough FT's to stay on the floor.

He still has a lot of development to go to become more than a role player.

I agree about Okongwu, but...don't all lottery prospects have some skills that are at NBA role-player level for their positions (and if not, should they really be drafted in the lottery)? I don't see what separates Okongwu from the crowd there.

 

[J_J]

Edwards is one guy I don't want the Cavs to draft even if he fell to 5. Hopefully they would trade the pick to a team willing to take a swing on him if that happens. Actually I prefer Okoro over Edwards (yeah I know I'm probably way in the minority on that and will concede that Edwards likely has the higher ceiling but the chances he gets there are slim based on both the stats and the eye test). The last thing we need to draft is an inefficient Dion type that needs the ball in his hands offensively. I'll take the lower usage guy who can help you win in other ways.

I’m also with you @daytripper - I am not a fan of Edwards and I do not want him at all. I think Edwards is a very inefficient player who needs to have the ball in his hands but does not do well with it. I also much prefer Okoro.

 

[J_J]

In terms of Okongwu, he played with Ball brothers together for Chino Hills in HS. Everyone talked about the Ball brothers in high school but I always thought Okongwu was the better impact player. Lamelo always chuck 3s and I do not believe Lamelo is an efficient player as a shooter. Okongwu really has lots of potential and people mark on him for his shooting. His shot release is good and he makes over 70% on FT line and I think he can become better.

 

[Cavatt]

In terms of Okongwu, he played with Ball brothers together for Chino Hills in HS. Everyone talked about the Ball brothers in high school but I always thought Okongwu was the better impact player. Lamelo always chuck 3s and I do not believe Lamelo is an efficient player as a shooter. Okongwu really has lots of potential and people mark on him for his shooting. His shot release is good and he makes over 70% on FT line and I think he can become better.

Yeah too early to tell with a big like him. He has good touch, I don't see why he can't shoot.

 

[RichieRichPaul]

Is he longer than TT or more bouncy?

 

[Muffinalt]

Is he longer than TT or more bouncy?

I think he's a little taller (he says he's legit 6'10" now) and definitely more bouncy. In fact his takeoff is one of the more impressive ones, he rockets off the floor each time. I think he will play above the rim easily, more like Bam than TT who needs to gather each time.

Plus his catching is very good too, so he likely will catch and convert most of the passes thrown to him around the rim.

 

[RichieRichPaul]

I think I’m starting to like him best

 

[Lumthemad]

This guy seems like a Cavaliers pick to me and I believe he could really fill a very nice need as a big off the bench. (and he is a very nice shot blocker) I'd like everything about taking this kid and I believe he'd be more willing to take a smaller role initially.

 

[Nathan S]

Cleveland needs a new king...King Kong. Draft this man!

 

[sailfish]

This guy seems like a Cavaliers pick to me and I believe he could really fill a very nice need as a big off the bench. (and he is a very nice shot blocker) I'd like everything about taking this kid and I believe he'd be more willing to take a smaller role initially.

If we’re taking a big, I’d prefer Okongwu or Wiseman over Toppin. However, it appears Koby Altman may be feeling some heat and feels the needs for an instant return, which, the 3 year older, Toppin would bring.

 

[bleachkit]

I think he's a little taller (he says he's legit 6'10" now) and definitely more bouncy. In fact his takeoff is one of the more impressive ones, he rockets off the floor each time. I think he will play above the rim easily, more like Bam than TT who needs to gather each time.

Plus his catching is very good too, so he likely will catch and convert most of the passes thrown to him around the rim.

He's not 6'10", he's not even 6'9". He's actually 6'7".

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

I'm wondering if Gilbert's stroke is making him less patient about building the Cavs for the long term and if so, will it affect this draft. Will he put pressure on the front office to draft Toppin over one of the 19-year-olds? Was Gilbert's health a factor in the Drummond trade? Are the Cavs looking to trade down from #5 if they can get a veteran who can start immediately?

“They don’t want that (No.5 overall) draft pick,” the executive told SI.com. “I don’t know that for certainty — but I’ve spoken to enough people over there that I know they don’t really want to bring in another young unknown.

“I strongly believe they will end up trading it.”

The executive added that owner Dan Gilbert has been putting pressure on general manager Koby Altman to start turning the Cavs into playoff contenders.

“From my understanding, Mr. Gilbert is starting to put the pressure on (Cavs GM) Koby Altman and the front office,” the opposing exec said. “There’s no ultimatum or deadline, as far as I know. But I think there’s a sense that it’s time to start making the playoffs and showing signs of progress.”

Report: Opposing Executive 'Strongly' Believes Cavs Will Trade 5th Pick in Upcoming Draft | Cavaliers Nation

Now, one opposing front office executive believes that the Cavs will end up trading the No. 5 pick. The executive added that owner Dan Gilbert has been putting pressure on general manager Koby Altman to start turning the Cavs into a playoff contender.

cavaliersnation.com

My guess is the Cavs will see how the top four shakes out since nobody seems to know what's going to happen. Now we have rumors of Wiseman going #1 and Okongwu moving into the top four. The Cavs could wait to see if the guy they really like (Advija?) falls to them and if not, auction off the pick.

 

[CavsFan07]

He's not 6'10", he's not even 6'9". He's actually 6'7".

What? Where in the world are you getting that information?

I'm not big on Okongwu but no reputable site out there has him any less than 6'9"

NBADRAFT.NET - 6'9"
ESPN - 6'9"
BasketballReference - 6'9"
USC Website - 6'9"

 

[Ohioplayer00]

I'm wondering if Gilbert's stroke is making him less patient about building the Cavs for the long term and if so, will it affect this draft. Will he put pressure on the front office to draft Toppin over one of the 19-year-olds? Was Gilbert's health a factor in the Drummond trade? Are the Cavs looking to trade down from #5 if they can get a veteran who can start immediately?

“They don’t want that (No.5 overall) draft pick,” the executive told SI.com. “I don’t know that for certainty — but I’ve spoken to enough people over there that I know they don’t really want to bring in another young unknown.

“I strongly believe they will end up trading it.”

The executive added that owner Dan Gilbert has been putting pressure on general manager Koby Altman to start turning the Cavs into playoff contenders.

“From my understanding, Mr. Gilbert is starting to put the pressure on (Cavs GM) Koby Altman and the front office,” the opposing exec said. “There’s no ultimatum or deadline, as far as I know. But I think there’s a sense that it’s time to start making the playoffs and showing signs of progress.”

Report: Opposing Executive 'Strongly' Believes Cavs Will Trade 5th Pick in Upcoming Draft | Cavaliers Nation

Now, one opposing front office executive believes that the Cavs will end up trading the No. 5 pick. The executive added that owner Dan Gilbert has been putting pressure on general manager Koby Altman to start turning the Cavs into a playoff contender.

cavaliersnation.com

My guess is the Cavs will see how the top four shakes out since nobody seems to know what's going to happen. Now we have rumors of Wiseman going #1 and Okongwu moving into the top four. The Cavs could wait to see if the guy they really like (Advija?) falls to them and if not, auction off the pick.

Last I heard over the weekend is that the Bulls are completely in love with Advija and unless Weisman drops to them or he goes earlier he will be their pick!