2020 Draft

[Ruzious]

Yeah I'm not seeing anything more than a backup wing from Vassell. The lack of shot creation & frame is a problem for me. So was the passiveness in college. He barely used college possessions, especially against ACC competition.

His numbers are comparable to Danny Green, and he did it while being 2 years younger.



On the other hand, Green was a 2nd round pick who ultimately got waived and bounced around for a few years on 10-day contracts before finding a role.

Exactly. I'd aim higher with the 9th pick. If he was a late 1st I'd be having a different conversation.

I think fellow FLaSTer Patrick Williams is a little better prospect than Vassell, but I wouldn't take either of them in the lottery.

[Jamaaliver]

Is he too close to Jan Vesely for Wiz fans to even consider?

He is nothing like Vesely other than being white.

And European.

And both skipped playing collegiate ball in the US to play professionally at a young age overseas.

And both were projected to play either SF or PF in the NBA.

But, please, reduce them to nothing but their race.

Spoiler:

Jesus Chr!st, Nate.

[nate33]

Is he too close to Jan Vesely for Wiz fans to even consider?

He is nothing like Vesely other than being white.

And European.

And both skipped playing collegiate ball in the US to play professionally at a young age overseas.

And both were projected to play either SF or PF in the NBA.

But, please, reduce them to nothing but their race.

Spoiler:

Jesus Chr!st, Nate.

Spare me. I didn't reduce them to their race. I specifically pointed out all the ways they are different, and none of it had anything to do with race. And you failed to come up with any reason to compare them at all other than that neither played in the NCAA's, which is totally normal for two players who aren't Americans. That's like comparing Michael Jordan to Roy Hibbert because neither guy is German.

[Dat2U]

After watching some Okongwu footage. I come away with the feeling he is a very safe pick. I'm not sure he's a high upside pick. I don't buy the Adebayo comparisons. Adebayo is in a different class as an athlete. Okongwu is "merely" good but he is light on his feet which will help him laterally.

Okongwu has none of the offensively versatility or developed skill of Adebayo. He does not see the floor nearly as well. The further away you put him from the basket, the worse he looks. The shot looks good so in time I could see him being a solid shooter from range. I don't see a ton of upside offensively beyond hitting open shots. I don't see him being a guy you dump the ball into and let him get a bucket. I see a guy that will play his role, screen, box out, run end to end, finish around the rim and do so effectively and relatively efficiently. I believe some may be disappointed if their hoping for more.

My gut tells while Okongwu was the better college player, Achiuwa may be better in the NBA as a rebounder/defender and even as a face up option on the offensive end. I would lean taking Achiuwa over Okongwu at this point.

[payitforward]

...My gut tells while Okongwu was the better college player, Achiuwa may be better in the NBA as a rebounder/defender and even as a face up option on the offensive end. I would lean taking Achiuwa over Okongwu at this point.

My only question about Achiuwa over Okongwu is to feel still that trading down a few spots & getting say Tillman in addition to whomever we pick first seems likely to yield better results.

[payitforward]

Oh well... given the interminable run up (crawl up!) to this draft, I can see why every possibility would be visited & every disagreement magnified!

I'd agree to take Precious if it meant the draft could be tomorrow! -- Hell, I've heard so many arguments for him I might be converted to the increasingly prevalent desire to pick the kid.

[WizarDynasty]

Oh well... given the interminable run up (crawl up!) to this draft, I can see why every possibility would be visited & every disagreement magnified!

I'd agree to take Precious if it meant the draft could be tomorrow! -- Hell, I've heard so many arguments for him I might be converted to the increasingly prevalent desire to pick the kid.

On film he looks good, but we don't know if he passes the psychological tests. How well does he get along with team mates Bradley Beal and Wall. He is from New York which is a completely different Vibe than small town DC.
He may bolt for NY as soon as he hits free agency.

[DCZards]

Oh well... given the interminable run up (crawl up!) to this draft, I can see why every possibility would be visited & every disagreement magnified!

I'd agree to take Precious if it meant the draft could be tomorrow! -- Hell, I've heard so many arguments for him I might be converted to the increasingly prevalent desire to pick the kid.

On film he looks good, but we don't know if he passes the psychological tests. How well does he get along with team mates Bradley Beal and Wall. He is from New York which is a completely different Vibe than small town DC.
He may bolt for NY as soon as he hits free agency.

NYC may be the big city but I wouldn’t exactly call DC a “small town.”

I’m sure Precious will feel right at home here in DC with its international vibe and fairly large Nigerian and African communities.

[payitforward]

Well... let's not assume we've drafted him!

[Jamaaliver]

2020 NBA Draft Big Board: Ranking the Top 50 Prospects

3. Onyeka Okongwu (USC, C, Freshman)



Onyeka Okongwu doesn't possess James Wiseman's size and length, but he's laterally quicker with plenty of athleticism and more half-court skills for scoring and passing.

Everyone buys his floor as a finisher and rim protector. The debate is about his upside as a 6'9", non-shooting center.

But I'm too high on Okongwu's footwork for shot-creation and touch inside the arc. He should be more than just a dunker with his ability to shake in the post and soft touch with both hands.

He'll also anchor the paint defensively while maintaining switchability and recovery speed in pick-and-roll coverage. He's a can't-lose option with the potential to impact games at both ends.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

2020 NBA Draft Big Board

2. Killian Hayes (Ratiopharm Ulm, PG, 2001)

Read on Twitter

There is plenty of interest in Killian Hayes in the Nos. 4-12 range. He's in the top three for me, mostly because of how well-rounded he's become, his improvement since last year and how well he checks out analytically.

At 6'5", he's an excellent passer and efficient scorer who uses pull-ups, floaters and finishes. And he's made a notable jump as a shot-creator around the perimeter. He took a step as a shot-maker as well, doubling his three-point makes from the previous season, though three-point shooting is still the weaknesses that's causing hesitation from scouts.

At this point, his jump shot is the only major question mark, as Hayes even looked like he could add value to a team defense.

Hayes reminds me of Goran Dragic, who also entered the NBA as a limited threat from deep.

Bleacher Report

[WizarDynasty]

2020 NBA Draft Big Board: Ranking the Top 50 Prospects

3. Onyeka Okongwu (USC, C, Freshman)



Onyeka Okongwu doesn't possess James Wiseman's size and length, but he's laterally quicker with plenty of athleticism and more half-court skills for scoring and passing.

Everyone buys his floor as a finisher and rim protector. The debate is about his upside as a 6'9", non-shooting center.

But I'm too high on Okongwu's footwork for shot-creation and touch inside the arc. He should be more than just a dunker with his ability to shake in the post and soft touch with both hands.

He'll also anchor the paint defensively while maintaining switchability and recovery speed in pick-and-roll coverage. He's a can't-lose option with the potential to impact games at both ends.

Bleacher Report

I am starting to like Okongwu more and more. Hope he is there when we pick. I would give him a slight edge over Achiuwa. I think Okongwu might be the better psychological fit for us, but if he isn't there, do we have the structure and environment for Achiuwa. Doesn't seem as outgoing as Okongwu personality wise.

I think Okoro would also be a good fit with Wall and John. We definitely need some toughness and athleticism at the 3. Okoro has the body type and explosiveness that we have lacked at the three position for over two decades, caron butler had some, but he was damaged goods by the time he got to DC. Okoro is like getting caron butler at his prime.

[Ruzious]

If the Wiz do go for it all, Bogdan Bogdanovic is a player I'd target - maybe midseason - trading Bertans for him - maybe in a 3-way trade where a younger player(s) goes to Sacramento. He'd give us that 3rd highly skilled perimeter player. And I think he's much longer than people realize - with a 6'11 wingspan and 8'8 standing reach - able to play the 3 or the 2. Our roster:

1. Wall, Ish or Napier, Flynn (37th pick)
2. Beal, Robinson, Mathews
3. Bogdan, TBJ, Admiral
4. Rui, Okongwu, Bonga
5. Bryant, Wagner

Of course, getting Okongwu will take lots o luck. But it shows you, getting him opens up the possibility that the Wiz can be very good in 20/21.

This puzzles me, Ruz.

I don't share the enthusiasm for Bogdanovic, & if we wind up drafting Okongwu I'd bet on him starting over Rui -- not to mention that you managed to leave Bertans off the roster. I also think that both Brown & Bonga played better than your lineups seem to credit them with.

You must have been tired - see how I acquired Bogdanovic. That's why Bertans isn't on my roster. I'd start Okongwu too, but I doubt the Wiz start him over Rui at least to start the season. There's likely going to be an adjustment period teaming Okongwu with Bryant. You're reading too much into where I put Brown and Bonga. They'll play multiple positions and get playing time - I'm just not listing anyone twice. Bogdan is much better than TBJ right now. I know you don't believe that, but he's been in an awful situation with Sacramento, and he's a superbly skilled polished player.

[Dat2U]

...My gut tells while Okongwu was the better college player, Achiuwa may be better in the NBA as a rebounder/defender and even as a face up option on the offensive end. I would lean taking Achiuwa over Okongwu at this point.

My only question about Achiuwa over Okongwu is to feel still that trading down a few spots & getting say Tillman in addition to whomever we pick first seems likely to yield better results.

I like Tillman but I view Achiuwa as a better prospect - on a different tier. I'm also not interested in adding a bench full of rookies to a team looking to make a playoff run. I'm not a fan either of using a 1st rounder to trade down for extra 2nd rounders when you can potentially buy them instead. Getting an extra 2nd rounder is ideal but realistically we can probably add 3/4 max rookies with one of them probably being a 2-way player. That means use both picks. Swing a small deal to get a 3rd and maybe pick up an undrafted FA or 2 that slips b/w the cracks.

[Dat2U]

If the Wiz do go for it all, Bogdan Bogdanovic is a player I'd target - maybe midseason - trading Bertans for him - maybe in a 3-way trade where a younger player(s) goes to Sacramento. He'd give us that 3rd highly skilled perimeter player. And I think he's much longer than people realize - with a 6'11 wingspan and 8'8 standing reach - able to play the 3 or the 2. Our roster:

1. Wall, Ish or Napier, Flynn (37th pick)
2. Beal, Robinson, Mathews
3. Bogdan, TBJ, Admiral
4. Rui, Okongwu, Bonga
5. Bryant, Wagner

Of course, getting Okongwu will take lots o luck. But it shows you, getting him opens up the possibility that the Wiz can be very good in 20/21.

This puzzles me, Ruz.

I don't share the enthusiasm for Bogdanovic, & if we wind up drafting Okongwu I'd bet on him starting over Rui -- not to mention that you managed to leave Bertans off the roster. I also think that both Brown & Bonga played better than your lineups seem to credit them with.

You must have been tired - see how I acquired Bogdanovic. That's why Bertans isn't on my roster. I'd start Okongwu too, but I doubt the Wiz start him over Rui at least to start the season. There's likely going to be an adjustment period teaming Okongwu with Bryant. You're reading too much into where I put Brown and Bonga. They'll play multiple positions and get playing time - I'm just not listing anyone twice. Bogdan is much better than TBJ right now. I know you don't believe that, but he's been in an awful situation with Sacramento, and he's a superbly skilled polished player.

I don't see Okongwu as a 4 at all. Maybe 10 years ago. I think he's strictly a 5. I don't think a big 4 is what the team is looking for either. The want to space the floor for Wall/Beal. They wanted playmakers/shotmakers at the 4 spot which is why they drafted Hachimura/Bertans. I know Adebayo played the 4 for Miami at times but Adebayo has a much better skillset for that.

[Ruzious]

This puzzles me, Ruz.

I don't share the enthusiasm for Bogdanovic, & if we wind up drafting Okongwu I'd bet on him starting over Rui -- not to mention that you managed to leave Bertans off the roster. I also think that both Brown & Bonga played better than your lineups seem to credit them with.

You must have been tired - see how I acquired Bogdanovic. That's why Bertans isn't on my roster. I'd start Okongwu too, but I doubt the Wiz start him over Rui at least to start the season. There's likely going to be an adjustment period teaming Okongwu with Bryant. You're reading too much into where I put Brown and Bonga. They'll play multiple positions and get playing time - I'm just not listing anyone twice. Bogdan is much better than TBJ right now. I know you don't believe that, but he's been in an awful situation with Sacramento, and he's a superbly skilled polished player.

I don't see Okongwu as a 4 at all. Maybe 10 years ago. I think he's strictly a 5. I don't think a big 4 is what the team is looking for either. The want to space the floor for Wall/Beal. They wanted playmakers/shotmakers at the 4 spot which is why they drafted Hachimura/Bertans. I know Adebayo played the 4 for Miami at times but Adebayo has a much better skillset for that.

I think you can be creative with a player like him - much like Milwaukee is defensively with Giannis. What you do is defend middle out - instead of focusing the defense against the 3 pointer. That has the benefit of not requiring Bryant to stray far from the basket and allow him to be more of a shot-blocker (with 7'6 wingspan and 9'4.5 standing reach). O is a very instinctive defender who has a special ability to anticipate where the ball is going - which should help him a lot in that defensive role. He may not be quite the pure athlete that Adebayo is, but I think he has better defensive instincts. Even in KY, Bam was not much of a shot-blocker and had far fewer steals than O had at USC. A big who gets 1.6 steals per 40 as a freshman... I wouldn't put a limit on him saying he can't play PF. Focus on what he can do - which is create turnovers and make his teammates better.

Lol that Pif is bashing me for not starting O at the 4 while Dat is bashing me for even playing O at the 4. The answer lies in the middle.

[pcbothwel]

WizD. Agreed, I appreciate you going to bat for Achiuwa over the last week or so. It made me look at him again and I would be okay with him at 9, but im glad you are coming around on Okongwu. His floor is just so high and stabilizes our defense.

Tough Juice is an interesting Comp on Okoro. That said, Caron was a better shooter in college by a huge margin with better mechanics and Okoro will be the better defender. Remember, Butler shot 36%/77% on 3's/FT in college... and 35%/84% in his pro career. I have a hard time EVER seeing Okoro hit those marks, especially FT%.

[nate33]

I agree with Dat2U. Okongwu is a 5 in today's game. Sure, we can get away with him playing the 4 in certain situations because he has pretty good lateral quickness and Bryant and Wagner can shoot the 3, but the reason why he is an exciting prospect is because he can play the 5. It allows the team to be very versatile defensively.

[Ruzious]

Oh well... given the interminable run up (crawl up!) to this draft, I can see why every possibility would be visited & every disagreement magnified!

I'd agree to take Precious if it meant the draft could be tomorrow! -- Hell, I've heard so many arguments for him I might be converted to the increasingly prevalent desire to pick the kid.

The weird thing to me is that they pushed back the draft so far and still want to start next season right after Christmas. It gives teams so little time to acclimate rookies.

[nate33]

My gut tells while Okongwu was the better college player, Achiuwa may be better in the NBA as a rebounder/defender and even as a face up option on the offensive end. I would lean taking Achiuwa over Okongwu at this point.

Interesting. You think this even after factoring their age difference? (Achiuwa is 1.2 years older.)

I can buy the argument that Achiuwa might end up as the slightly better defender/rebounder in the long run because of his superior athleticism and his demonstrated ability to rebound outside his immediate area. But I can't overlook that Okongwu is nearly as agile and quick on his feet despite carrying 20 extra pounds on his frame. I know Okongwu has the girth to hold his position against full-sized NBA centers, I'm not as sure Achiuwa can. So defensively, I think it might be a wash.

What separates them IMO is offense. Achiuwa can't shoot and is turnover prone. Those are pretty big red flags. It may well be the case that he never develops enough offensive game to be any kind of threat in the NBA. A good coach can hide a guy like that in the regular season and just put him in the dunker's spot; but in the playoffs, he can be exploited. Teams may give him the Montrez Harrell treatment and guard him with a big center whom they could just leave in the paint to clog up the lane.

Okongwu is far more likely to be at least a secondary offensive threat - good enough that teams can't cheat off of him. At the very least, Okongwu is much more NBA ready and is likely to contribute right away. Achiuwa is probably at least two full seasons of development away from being a guy who doesn't actively hurt the offense. That might not matter to a rebuilding team, but to a "reloading" team like us, that's a factor.