My first thought would be “college basketball” and lack of spacing.
Next would be the fact that his team was garbage and he was the only real threat, so more lane cloggage.
Long story short, I think he’s the kinda prospect that is better as a pro.
Following Potential 2018 Draftees
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My first thought would be “college basketball” and lack of spacing.
Next would be the fact that his team was garbage and he was the only real threat, so more lane cloggage.
Long story short, I think he’s the kinda prospect that is better as a pro.
Well this is gonna make draft day even MORE interesting.
The Suns has #1 and #16.
If I were the Spurs I'd do #1, #16 and Josh Jackson without blinking.
Well, we often play Jae Crowder at the 4.
seattlejazzfan
Well-Known Member
exactly. donovan wasn't dunking off the bounce much at Louisville either.
A guy who played 4 years of college at the position, and can probably tow a car a short distance without a machine.
Also a guy that nobody would ideally start at the 4.
Jazz4ever
Well-Known Member
That's the whole argument of functional athleticism vs combine athleticism. Okogie isn't that athletic with ball in hand, as his handles are a little shaky. I'm unsure if Okogie could be a good playmaker, he'd have alot of work to do.
I want guys who can break down the defense. It's not really a luxury. The Jazz really need more athleticism at one of the forward positions.
Attacking a closeout isn't breaking down the defense. It also doesn't require amazing athleticism. If anything, it requires more brains (/skill) than brawn to do correctly.
What you said is true, but that isn't something Smith provides (and sure, I suppose he could develop it).
zyzz
Well-Known Member
I think there's too much chaos this year to predict. I think it will be very fluid, where they could trade up, down, or stay depending on what happens.
His handles are better than Jaylen Brown, and that guy tears down the rim. I'd agree more with the spacing argument. Okogie's teammates didn't create any space for him at all.
I'm sure they would. But the Suns wouldn't.
Jazz4ever
Well-Known Member
I just threw that in there, but 8'9" standing reach is acceptable for a PF, on the low end, but acceptable.
That's probably why Kawhi's camp have left it this late to meet with the Spurs. W're now down to less than 40 hours before the draft, there's simply just not enough time for the Suns or the Kings or any other teams to have a medical team clear Kawhi and they would be reluctant to pull the trigger on the trade.
Lakers don't have a decent draft pick so their position is gonna be stronger after the draft than before it.
Comparable to Joe Johnson and Harrison Barnes.
Not to put salt in wounds, or whatnot, but this is the kind of athleticism and versatility that our forward rotation is currently missing...