Prospect Spotlight -- Isaac Okoro

[Ball4life32]

Yeah just don’t see it with him offensively....I think he will struggle to score in the half court & he’s going to hurt spacing with his lack of shooting (plus his funky form + bad FT% doesn’t make me think he can get much better) Rather go Vassell if we stay at 6.

Also I laugh at all these writers that think the Hawks only struggled bc of defense & wont improve until then.

The thing is we are not building around Okoro to be a focal point of the offense. Trae is the franchise and Okoro is the best fit to support him. The guy has great defensive instincts with the matched athletic ability to guard 1-4 effectively.

His slashing and finishing would be a great compliment to the rest of the team. If they hold the combine he will blow it away.

Eh not sure I agree he’s the best fit. Just not a fan of undersize non/poor shooting wings(think his skill set is more of a combo forward).....you can’t play him & Capela together imo because spacing would be bad. Teams will lag off of Okoro at the 3 point line....

Plus every wing Schlenk has taken so far has shot 75%+ from the FT line in college FWIW. I think two way guys & having shooters all around Trae best suits him though those are hard to find....& Okoro could slash effectively in college (on low volume) but not sure I believe he will he able to consistently do that in the nba in the half court set. He is an explosive athlete with great frame no doubt just more of a skills thing that has me skeptical to take him at #6.

[personanongrata]

Maybe Shlenk thinks he can be our Dreymond Green.

[atlantabbq99]

I can't remember a poor shooting college player that then ended up becoming into a good NBA player. Even Ben Simmons is struggling now.

[Radioblacktive1]

Seems like word is getting out about Okoro. If we miss on him I vote we trade down with Phoenix.

[raleigh]

you can’t play him & Capela together imo because spacing would be bad. Teams will lag off of Okoro at the 3 point line...

Yes. Thanks for saying it.

Okoro + Capela would make Trae's life so much more difficult. Unless you trade Collins for a proven stretch 4, you really have to have shooters on the wing.

[Nathan2331]

you can’t play him & Capela together imo because spacing would be bad. Teams will lag off of Okoro at the 3 point line...

Yes. Thanks for saying it.

Okoro + Capela would make Trae's life so much more difficult. Unless you trade Collins for a proven stretch 4, you really have to have shooters on the wing.

Y'all so quick to trade Collins like he's the problem on the team. If you're worried about spacing, teach Okoro how to shoot!

[jayu70]

you can’t play him & Capela together imo because spacing would be bad. Teams will lag off of Okoro at the 3 point line...

Yes. Thanks for saying it.

Okoro + Capela would make Trae's life so much more difficult. Unless you trade Collins for a proven stretch 4, you really have to have shooters on the wing.

Y'all so quick to trade Collins like he's the problem on the team. If you're worried about spacing, teach Okoro how to shoot!

Exactly.
You play Okoro with Dedmon or actually Collins in a small ball rotation.

[Jamaaliver]

Seeing the success of flawed prospects like Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard this playoffs as elite two way players, I'm leaning more towards taking a big swing on a guy like Okoro. If we believe in our player development program, we should confident he'll at worst be a useful, productive role player.

At best, he's a future all star.

And I wouldn't let today's roster concerns effect this draft decision. We better be drafting for the next 5-8 years. Not simply the 2021 season.

Admittedly, you're gambling on future improvement:

[Jamaaliver]

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[raleigh]

If you're worried about spacing, teach Okoro how to shoot!

It's that easy, huh? If that's the case, the Hawks should corner the market on poor shooters and...bam...championship.

[CP War Hawks]

Months back I was trying figure out why Okoro may be high on the Hawks board, then you consider the Warriors had guys that really didn't have NBA range, but contributed heavily in other ways like Bogut, Iggy, Draymond, and Livingston.

[King Ken]

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I hope he's there at #6 if Obi or Deni is gone.

[Jamaaliver]

NBC Sports Mock Draft

6. Atlanta Hawks: Isaac Okoro (Auburn Tigers)



Position: Small Forward | Height: 6’6 / Weight: 225 pounds

Ham’s Take: “This is the right player for this specific team. While it’s possible that Okoro goes a pick or two ahead of this, he would be a dream selection for the Hawks. Atlanta has plenty of scoring and they’ve made moves to bolster their depth all over the court. They are primed to take a big step forward next season, but they need a player with the potential to become a defensive stopper. Okoro is a selfless player that can make an impact on both ends of the court.”

247Sports’ Take: If there was a question mark for the Atlanta Hawks, it would be on the defensive end of the floor. Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce has a defensive-minded background and is looking for his perimeter stopper. Isaac Okoro fits seamlessly with the Hawks. The Georgia native can take the opposing team’s best option and add defensive cover for emerging NBA star Trae Young. Last season, Okoro averaged nearly 13.4 points and scored in double figures in eight of his last 10 games. He also made the SEC All-Defensive team and was a second-team All-SEC selection. His offensive game needs work but the Hawks have a great development team. He will not be asked to score much with the Hawks. His focus would be on what he does best and that is a lockdown defender. Seems like a win-win for both sides if the Hawks select Okoro.

24/7 Sports

[Nathan2331]

If you're worried about spacing, teach Okoro how to shoot!

It's that easy, huh? If that's the case, the Hawks should corner the market on poor shooters and...bam...championship.

Let me put it to you a different way. If I thought Okoro was not going to become a decent shooter in his career (I don't really have an opinion), I would never draft him #6. If he can't shoot, he's not that valuable unless he becomes an exceptional passer which I don't anticipate.

[Jamaaliver]

Sports Illustrated Draft Big Board

6. Isaac Okoro, SF, Auburn | Freshman

Height: 6' 6" | Weight: 225 | Age: 19 | Previous Rank: 6

Okoro can be polarizing because he’s a below-average shooter, but the rest of his skill set is pretty convincing. He’ll be able to hang his hat on defense immediately, with a great combination of strength, balance and agility that should enable him to keep up with the league’s top perimeter scorers. He’s a powerful athlete with a quality feel for decision-making and passing, and doesn’t need a heavy diet of shots to impact the game. Okoro’s jumper isn’t broken, but he’s far enough off as a shooter to give teams pause. He’s very good finishing at the rim, but if he can’t make enough threes to keep defenses honest and set up drives, it’s hard to see him returning top-five value. Still, Okoro’s impeccable functional athleticism and defensive acumen create a strong base and make him worth the gamble.

SI.com

[Jamaaliver]

Suns 2020 NBA Draft Spotlight: Isaac Okoro

Isaac Okoro is one of the best defenders in this entire class, and his versatility would add yet another modern wing to Atlanta’s collection

Offense
Strengths: Finishing, Cutting & Passing IQ, Free Throw Rate

Weaknesses: Shooting, Self-creation, Shot Mechanics

Offensively there are valid concerns over Okoro's jumper, and how he will generate scoring opportunities in general. It’s important to surround him with shooters and creators (which Atlanta has both of) so he can fully display his ability to pass and cut effectively on the move within the flow of the offense.

He sees the floor well on both sides of the ball in large part due to his pristine basketball IQ. He rarely makes mistakes and when he moves the ball it’s frequently a quick, purposeful decision. It’s why I think he could still thrive in this system despite limitations to his jumper.

Spoiler:

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Okoro is an elite finisher due to his ability to seek out and absorb contact at or near the rim through his functional strength and body control. He shot just over 68% at the rim as a freshman on a fairly significant sample size, which is elite. His positive slashing ability along with a dynamic transition game and elite finishing ability will offer some immediate value offensively.

The jumper is very much a work in progress. He doesn’t have very positive shooting indicators either with his poor free throw numbers (67%) and the abysmal “long 2s” shooting percentage (16%). The form on his jumper needs some work, it looks a bit stiff, rigid and somewhat forced at times. The positive is the base in his jump shot mostly looks fine so it’s just the stuff up top he’ll need to clean up, making it a do-able job for developmental staffs. Hours upon hours of work will need to be put in to smooth it out, and I have no doubt he will be willing to put the time in from everything I’ve seen/read about his character and work ethic.
The finishing numbers are encouraging and there have been some brief flashes where he’s shown a step-back three or some creation ability, but those moments aren’t frequent enough to get excited about. He does a nice job of playing to his strengths though for the most part and that plays into his high feel for the game...I’ll throw in the fact that he is an excellent off-ball cutter.

His plus athleticism also allows him to do cool stuff like this ferocious poster against Vanderbilt.

Spoiler:

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Defense
Strengths: Point of attack, Strength/Size, Switch-ability

Weaknesses: N/A

This is Okoro's calling card. The defensive side of the ball will be his ticket to immediate minutes and should eventually become the thing he’s known for league-wide. He will be able to guard positions 1-4 and even the occasional small-ball five due to his strength. He takes on the assignment of the opponent’s best player on a nightly basis. If you want a quick visual representation of how disruptive and impactful he can be on the defensive end, watch below:

Spoiler:

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Suns SB Nation

[Radioblacktive1]

The choice is obvious to me

[Jamaaliver]

Is Isaac Okoro young Andre Iguodala?

Stats: 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, .9 steals, 54.1% FG, 28.6% 3-point
Age: 19 Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 225 Wingspan: 6-foot-8.5

A powerful athlete with a low center of gravity and a solid, but not spectacular wingspan, Okoro can step in and play immediately.
In his lone year at Auburn, he didn’t put up big numbers, but his impact on the game goes beyond the typical prospect. His high in scoring was only 23 points and that was the only time he posted 20 or more in 28 games. His high in shot attempts was 13 and he had double-figure shot attempts just nine times.

Early in his career he’ll be a defensive specialist, but there is plenty to like about his skill set on both ends of the court.

Strengths

Spoiler:

Okoro will walk in and be one of the best defenders on his team from Day 1. At the NBA level, there is potential for him to defend four positions on the floor and he’ll only get stronger with age and an NBA training staff.
He averaged .9 steals and .9 blocks, but his on-ball defending is spot on. He has a strong motor and a bulldog mentality. He fights through screens and has really good balance and foot speed.
His perimeter game is still a work in progress, but he is smooth off the dribble and has a soft touch as a slasher with either hand. Okoro plays through contact well and got to the line 4.8 times per game despite limited opportunities in the offense.

While he wasn’t asked to handle the ball much at Auburn or act as a distributor, he is a willing passer, has a high basketball IQ and will likely be a far superior offensive threat at the NBA level.

Early in his career he’ll act as a cutter and take some catch-and-shoot 3’s. He’s a player who understands his role and plays to his strengths.

Weaknesses

Spoiler:

His shot is suspect, especially from the perimeter. He knocked down just 28.6 percent from long range and 67.2 percent from the free throw line. There is potential for him to improve in this aspect of the game, but counting on him to be an elite shooter anytime soon would be a mistake.

Due to his limited opportunities on the offensive end, most of Okoro’s offensive promise is speculatory. He’s not a three-level scorer, although he has shown athleticism and some craftiness around the basket.

Like the rest of his offensive game, Okoro has shown flashes as a play maker, but the sample size is small. He posted more than three assists in a game just twice in his lone season at Auburn and he finished the year with a 2.0-to-2.0 assist-to-turnover rate.

Okoro isn’t a great rebounder, which is something that he will need to improve on. He posted a 7.8 rebound percent and his offensive rebound percentage of 6.6 percent was just barely off his defensive number of 8.8 percent.
Part of the reason for his low rebounding number came from his focus on the opponent's best player on the defensive end, but he’s too good of an athlete and plays way too physical of a game to average just 4.4 per game, especially if he is playing small forward in the NBA.

Player Comparison

Andre Iguodala, Jaylen Brown

NBC Sports -- San Fran

[Spud2nique]

Is Isaac Okoro young Andre Iguodala?

Stats: 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, .9 steals, 54.1% FG, 28.6% 3-point
Age: 19 Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 225 Wingspan: 6-foot-8.5

A powerful athlete with a low center of gravity and a solid, but not spectacular wingspan, Okoro can step in and play immediately.
In his lone year at Auburn, he didn’t put up big numbers, but his impact on the game goes beyond the typical prospect. His high in scoring was only 23 points and that was the only time he posted 20 or more in 28 games. His high in shot attempts was 13 and he had double-figure shot attempts just nine times.

Early in his career he’ll be a defensive specialist, but there is plenty to like about his skill set on both ends of the court.

Strengths

Spoiler:

Okoro will walk in and be one of the best defenders on his team from Day 1. At the NBA level, there is potential for him to defend four positions on the floor and he’ll only get stronger with age and an NBA training staff.
He averaged .9 steals and .9 blocks, but his on-ball defending is spot on. He has a strong motor and a bulldog mentality. He fights through screens and has really good balance and foot speed.
His perimeter game is still a work in progress, but he is smooth off the dribble and has a soft touch as a slasher with either hand. Okoro plays through contact well and got to the line 4.8 times per game despite limited opportunities in the offense.

While he wasn’t asked to handle the ball much at Auburn or act as a distributor, he is a willing passer, has a high basketball IQ and will likely be a far superior offensive threat at the NBA level.

Early in his career he’ll act as a cutter and take some catch-and-shoot 3’s. He’s a player who understands his role and plays to his strengths.

Weaknesses

Spoiler:

His shot is suspect, especially from the perimeter. He knocked down just 28.6 percent from long range and 67.2 percent from the free throw line. There is potential for him to improve in this aspect of the game, but counting on him to be an elite shooter anytime soon would be a mistake.

Due to his limited opportunities on the offensive end, most of Okoro’s offensive promise is speculatory. He’s not a three-level scorer, although he has shown athleticism and some craftiness around the basket.

Like the rest of his offensive game, Okoro has shown flashes as a play maker, but the sample size is small. He posted more than three assists in a game just twice in his lone season at Auburn and he finished the year with a 2.0-to-2.0 assist-to-turnover rate.

Okoro isn’t a great rebounder, which is something that he will need to improve on. He posted a 7.8 rebound percent and his offensive rebound percentage of 6.6 percent was just barely off his defensive number of 8.8 percent.
Part of the reason for his low rebounding number came from his focus on the opponent's best player on the defensive end, but he’s too good of an athlete and plays way too physical of a game to average just 4.4 per game, especially if he is playing small forward in the NBA.

Player Comparison

Andre Iguodala, Jaylen Brown

NBC Sports -- San Fran

Alvin Robertson to me, aka the king of swipes this kid is the real deal with quickness and big mitts. Another beauty is a Hawks uni.

[Jamaaliver]

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