5
Onyeka Okongwu Center, Southern California
16.9 Points, 8.7 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 1.1 Steals, 2.9 Blocks, 62% FG, 0% 3PT, 29 MPG
Onyeka Okongwu has certainly surpassed expectations to this point in his college career, serving as an absolute terror on the low block defensively. His ability to shot block and rebound are a bit of a lost art in modern basketball, but Okongwu is simply too good at what he does to not be considered with a lottery pick.
His jumpshot may never be good enough to venture outside of the paint, but where his value does lie is in defensive ability, pick-and-roll situations, rebounding, and playing above the rim. Okongwu’s athleticism is a major reason why he is receiving top-ten consideration, as he is able to make up for a lack of shooting touch with the ability to catch lobs and get out in transition.
Washington has been horrendous this year, and with Bradley Beal still on the roster with seemingly no trade rumors surrounding him, one must assume that the Wizards are going to try and ‘retool’ rather than rebuild the team.
Okongwu would be a nice piece to hand to Bradley Beal as both a defender and a pick-and-roll partner. Although Washington should commit to a rebuild and take the best player on the board, they will ride with a lower-ceiling player in Okongwu.
Draft Stock Trend: +13
6
LaMelo Ball Guard, Australia
17.0 Points, 7.6 Rebounds, 6.8 Assists, 1.6 Steals, 0.1 Blocks, 38% FG, 25% 3PT, 31 MPG
Seeing LaMelo Ball slated at sixth overall may come as a surprise to many, as there are many who believe that Ball will be a serious contender to be selected first overall in the 2020 Draft. Much of this hype is purely that: hype.
Ball’s last name and flashy play style have allowed him to surge up draft boards and will almost undoubtedly earn him a top-ten selection. Although he may be a bit over-valued for the time being. Ball has certainly been impressive in Australia this season.
His stat sheet is absolutely loaded in a league that is quite competitive, with the only issue in his averages being his efficiency. He was able to steadily improve his offensive efficiency until he came down with an injury.
Ball to the Pelicans is a nearly ideal situation, as LaMelo’s older brother has had a rocky start to the season, in spite of his recent uptick in production.
Even if the Pelicans do decide to commit to Lonzo Ball as their point guard after this season, LaMelo’s size and skill set allow him to slide over to the shooting guard spot as well. Improving on defense and efficiency are key for Ball to increase his stock before draft night.