Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Daniel Oturu

Highlighting Minnesota big man Daniel Oturu and his potential fit with the Atlanta Hawks.

As we continue to look at the 2020 NBA Draft class to find potential fits with the Atlanta Hawks, one thing stood out: a lack of true centers. After James Wiseman, a likely top-three pick, there are very little centers in the class.

There are a lot of power forwards who could probably play some center like Onyeka Oknogwu, Isaiah Stewart, and Jalen Smith, but in terms of true fives, it’s Wiseman or bust for lottery teams.

In some mocks, the Memphis big man is the only center taken in the first round. In my latest mock draft, Wiseman went fifth, and only one other center went in the first, with Daniel Oturu coming off the board at number 28.

Minnesota’s Oturu, Duke’s Vernon Carey and Arizona’s Zeke Nnaji have the best chance of sneaking in and making sure Wiseman isn’t the only center taken in the first 30 picks, and we’ll be highlighting Oturu’s game here.

The 6’10 sophomore is a rare offensive-minded center, although he certainly has two-way capabilities. He recorded a usage rate of 28.8% as a Gopher, a number usually more akin to point guards than bigs. Oturu averaged 23.6 shots per game, making an average of 56 percent.

He can create in the post, rim-run as well as catch-and-shoot, playing more like a forward than a center. He looks comfortable with the ball at the top of the key which brings nice versatility on high screens. He has pick-and-pop potential, shooting 36 percent from three as a sophomore.

Oturu is no slouch defensively either. He made the Big Ten’s All-Defensive team with his stern interior presence. He uses athleticism and strength to intimidate opponents, blocking over 2.5 shots per game last season.

At the next, Oturu has the best chance to be a star on the boards. He’s a great rebounder and led the Big Ten in boards per game, nearly a full rebound more than second-place finisher Jalen Smith. He’s quick with put-backs and fast enough to spin past box outs.

Fit with Atlanta Hawks:

A center would have likely been at the top of the Atlanta Hawks’ draft day needs before the team acquired two (Dewayne Dedmon and Clint Capela) at the trade deadline. As they sit now, center could be the least of their priorities, but with Oturu’s and Bruno Fernando‘s ability to play down at the four, Oturu could still be on their board.

They would likely have to trade into the late first, early second-round to take him and it could be worth it if he starts slipping.

Oturu is a fantastic two-way center who should be a beast on the boards from day one in the league.