NBA Mock Draft 3.0 — Atlanta Hawks Win Number One Pick
By Dallin Duffy
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Washington Wizards. Onyeka Okongwu. 9. player. 142. PF, USC
The Wizards should finally have John Wall back when the new season kicks off (whenever that is), once again forming one of the league’s backcourts along with Bradley Beal. Even when those two were at their peak a few years ago, the team has always needed a big man, and Okongwu can finally fill that role.
With the same ninth overall pick a year ago, the team took Rui Hachimura, who has had a respectable rookie campaign but has not looked good defensively. Okongwu can be his antithesis, as the USC big man could be the best interior defender in the class.
He blocked 2.7 shots per game for USC as a freshman, adding over a steal per game as well. He’s not completely one-sided however and gets it done on the other end as a rim-runner.
On the glass, he’s a menace and his rebound rate should transition nicely into the NBA. He plays like a center, but his 6’9 frame puts him in the middle ground between the four and five. His athleticism should allow him to play the five without being bullied too much by bigger centers.