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Where will Okoro be drafted?
Posted on 1/20/20 at 8:35 pm
Posted on 1/20/20 at 8:35 pm
He's been higher on a few other sources but they were over a couple of weeks ago. Still trending upward for a lot of folks. Will try to keep this updated.
NBADraft.net 02-03-20 Mock Draft
14th overall
Note: I follow this site year round because it updates more often than any other site. They were later than most on the Okoro train, he wasn't even on their board until about a month ago.
NBA Draft Room 01-18-20 Mock Draft
8th overall
Player Comp: faster Justin Anderson
ESPN's Jonathan Givony 02-10-20 Mock Draft
4th overall
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie 02-13-20 Mock Draft
8th overall
NBC Sports 02-11-20 Mock Draft
7th Overall
Jangalang of SEC Rant fame
4th overall
NBADraft.net 02-03-20 Mock Draft
14th overall
Note: I follow this site year round because it updates more often than any other site. They were later than most on the Okoro train, he wasn't even on their board until about a month ago.
NBA Draft Room 01-18-20 Mock Draft
8th overall
quote:
A standout defender and excellent athlete who is a game-changer with his energy and effort. Excels in transition.
Player Comp: faster Justin Anderson
ESPN's Jonathan Givony 02-10-20 Mock Draft
4th overall
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie 02-13-20 Mock Draft
8th overall
quote:
The Bulls just drastically need someone who can play on the wing and who can help them win games. That’s Okoro. This dude is the ultimate winner. He makes all of the little plays across the court, including playing great defense both on ball and in a team construct. In fact, I legitimately think he’s one of the best defenders across college hoops despite only being 18 years old. The fact that Auburn has won a lot of close games this year isn’t an accident. They get timely scoring from some of their older guards, and Okoro helps them manufacture points through effort, athleticism, and an incredibly high feel for the game.
I really can’t imagine someone better for the Bulls, who are seemingly in desperate need of a culture changer. For his part, Okoro is the ultimate team guy, but I do have some questions about his offense right now. He has incredible body control and driving ability, and is a smart passer. But he’s also shooting under 30 percent from 3, and has some work to do on his jumper mechanically. Also, I’m not sure I see the upside of him right now as an on-ball threat creating for himself as opposed to playing off of someone else. Still, if I’m Chicago, I’m taking the best wing. Okoro is that.
NBC Sports 02-11-20 Mock Draft
7th Overall
quote:
Okoro is another guy that I want to be higher than consensus on, because I think he has a chance to be a really good starter on an NBA team for the next 12 years. I’m not sure there is anything more valuable in the modern NBA than a wing that is a multi-positional defender, that can guard in space and that is capable of creating against a close out or in isolation, but I am sure that there is no one in this draft that better fits that role than Okoro.
I don’t think it’s crazy to say that Okoro is the best perimeter defender in college basketball this season. He can guard up, he can guard down, he can move his feet, he’s already built like a pro, he’s shown the ability to block shots as a help-side defender. It’s what he hangs his hat on. But he’s also proven to be particularly adept off the dribble, where he’s a nightmare to stop once he gets a step. He can finish above the rim, but perhaps his most underrated skill is his ability to read defenses and pass the ball.
The one question mark is the shooting, but in conversations I’ve had with people that know Isaac, both at the collegiate and high school levels, the consensus is that he’s a worker. He’ll put in the hours that he needs to in order to make himself a threat from three.
Jangalang of SEC Rant fame
4th overall
This post was edited on 2/13/20 at 12:24 pm
Posted on 1/20/20 at 8:44 pm to auburnnyc94
He’s a first round pick.
Probably top 15 lock.
He’s our best player this year.
Probably top 15 lock.
He’s our best player this year.
Posted on 1/20/20 at 9:44 pm to auburnnyc94
quote:
Note: I will edit and update with links and quotes
Please add to OP that jangalang thinks 4th.
Posted on 1/21/20 at 6:12 am to auburnnyc94
You can’t really say. However - He is a 1st round lock.
If he improves his jump shot (this year) - he will be a top 10 pick.
If he adds a consistent 3 pointer (this year), he will go top 5.
I believe he will develop all these things and will be an NBA starter, I just hope we get to see the rapid improvement at Auburn.
If he improves his jump shot (this year) - he will be a top 10 pick.
If he adds a consistent 3 pointer (this year), he will go top 5.
I believe he will develop all these things and will be an NBA starter, I just hope we get to see the rapid improvement at Auburn.
Posted on 1/21/20 at 8:25 am to auburnnyc94
A couple good games in the tourney could elevate his status. He's a top 20 guy regardless
Posted on 1/21/20 at 9:04 am to auburnnyc94
It really depends. He may be the best wing defender in the draft. However his shot is bad and teams want to make sure that they aren't getting Stanley Johnson 2.0. He's probably top 20 right now and top 12 with a dependable jumper.
Posted on 1/21/20 at 4:50 pm to Skyler97
Updated OP with a handful of my favorite mocks. Will keep this updated leading up to the draft.
Posted on 2/12/20 at 1:22 pm to auburnnyc94
Him going top 5 would be amazing for recruiting
Posted on 2/12/20 at 1:27 pm to AA7
cannot wait to become a one and done school
Posted on 2/12/20 at 1:39 pm to HailToTheChiz
quote:
cannot wait to become a one and done school
I really wish they'd do away with the college requirement for these kids. It's diminished college basketball. If a high school kid wants to go to the NBA, let them go to the NBA or the D league. Don't make them spend a year in college. It's stupid.
With that said, I wish nothing for the best for the kid. It's been fun watching him play this year.
Posted on 2/12/20 at 2:19 pm to auburnnyc94
Up to 3rd on latest SI mock.
Posted on 2/12/20 at 2:57 pm to Smoke7024
I think what is really helping him in the eyes of scouts is that he works his arse off and all coaches rave about his mentality and his teammates love him. Easier to look past the shot (which can be improved) and enjoy the strengths of his game in his case.
Posted on 2/12/20 at 3:00 pm to auburnnyc94
quote:
I think what is really helping him in the eyes of scouts is that he works his arse off and all coaches rave about his mentality and his teammates love him. Easier to look past the shot (which can be improved) and enjoy the strengths of his game in his case.
I haven’t looked at the numbers but it feels like he’s shooting better too
Posted on 2/12/20 at 3:05 pm to AA7
He was having a decent little stretch until Saturday when he went 1-6 from 3.
Posted on 2/12/20 at 4:08 pm to Aubie Spr96
They already have. Just hasn’t gone into effect yet.
Posted on 2/12/20 at 4:23 pm to Zeroforwinger
I don't watch enough NBA nor pay attention to the draft enough to make a determination.
When I look at him and Chuma he doesn't seem like near the player Chuma is at this point in time. I realize he is younger with less experience. A healthy Chuma was a top 10 lock IMO.
I heard this draft wasn't deep so I'd assume that is helping him also. Other than a consistent shot I can't imagine he won't find success at the next level. I'd love to see him stay another year, but having a kid go early in the draft will help with recruiting.
When I look at him and Chuma he doesn't seem like near the player Chuma is at this point in time. I realize he is younger with less experience. A healthy Chuma was a top 10 lock IMO.
I heard this draft wasn't deep so I'd assume that is helping him also. Other than a consistent shot I can't imagine he won't find success at the next level. I'd love to see him stay another year, but having a kid go early in the draft will help with recruiting.
Posted on 2/12/20 at 4:46 pm to Tigerman97
quote:
When I look at him and Chuma he doesn't seem like near the player Chuma is at this point in time. I realize he is younger with less experience. A healthy Chuma was a top 10 lock IMO.
Chuma was certainly a more complete player at this time last year.. but for raw potential Okoro is much more enticing.
Elite perimeter defense comes at a huge premium in the NBA right now. And when you can get that plus the playmaking ability Okoro has shown flashes of already you're onto something rare.
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