As the 2020 NBA Draft approaches, many different prospects are hoping to become a lottery pick. This stands especially true for Auburn Tigers standout Isaac Okoro. The 6’6″ forward has the potential to become a household name but has many inconsistencies to perfect in order to sustain success at the next level. After a solid college season, Okoro will be highly motivated to continue his success in the NBA.
2020 NBA Draft Profile for Isaac Okoro
College Career
As a four-star recruit out of high school, Okoro had his fair share of options of where to continue his basketball career. He received offers from some of the top schools in the nation including Texas, Florida State, and Oregon. Okoro ultimately decided that Auburn was the best fit for him as he signed there on July 25, 2018. He was quickly named the team’s starting small forward and showcased great potential in his college debut. He finished the game with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in a win over Georgia Southern.
Okoro remained healthy throughout the entirety of his college career, missing just one game with a hamstring injury. Throughout the season, Okoro was able to sustain his very solid production. He finished the year averaging 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Okoro was named to the Second-team All-SEC, SEC All-Freshman Team, and the SEC All-Defensive Team for his efforts in the 2019-20 season. At the conclusion of his freshman season, Okoro announced his intentions to enter the 2020 NBA Draft.
Strengths
- Prototypical size and frame for a player of his position
- Still has the potential to add height and mass to his frame
- Tough interior scorer with an array of post moves
- While not a sharpshooter, he can shoot from all levels of the court
- Uses his size and physicality to get his fair share of rebounds
- An absolute lockdown defender
- Uses an excellent blend of physicality and technique to shut down his opponents
- Has an NBA ready body to sustain the rigors of an 82 game season
- Faced a high level of competition while playing at Auburn
- Remained very consistent in his production throughout the season
- He has remained healthy for the majority of his career
- He has a much higher floor than most prospects
Weaknesses
- Very average in terms of athleticism
- Needs to improve his shot from beyond the arc if he wants to earn more minutes at the next level
- His passing skills could use some refinement
- His physical nature may get him into foul trouble early in his career
- He will need to be more consistent at the free-throw line
- He doesn’t excel offensively in any one area
NBA Player Comparison
In just about every way possible Isaac Okoro compares directly to Memphis Grizzlies forward Justise Winslow. Both players’ games are predicated on their stellar defensive play. While both are able to shoot the ball, they have their share of inconsistencies. Winslow is a slightly better athlete, but all in all, they are almost identical players who project to have very similar NBA careers.
NBA Projection
Isaac Okoro has the potential to be a very good NBA player if he can clean up some of his inconsistencies. However, his lockdown defense and physical style of play will likely garner interest from just about every team with a lottery pick. At this point in the offseason, Okoro projects to be a top ten pick, but may fall just outside.
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