Scouting Report: Josh Okogie

Scouting Reports

After missing a handful of games, Josh Okogie played 24 games in his sophomore season and went on to average (per 40 minutes) 20 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG, and 2.8 TOPG on shooting splits of 41.6/38/82.

Name: Josh Okogie

Height/Weight: 6’4.5/ 211

Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0/ 8’6

Hand size: 9.75

Position: Wing

College/ country: Georgia Tech

Tools: Shooting, defense

Pros:

  • 3&D upside- jump shot has great form
  • Excellent defender- quick reaction times, quick reflexes, and good lateral quickness
  • Great frame with a 7’0 wingspan
  • Quick first step
  • Good rebounder
  • Growing playmaker- already excels at the drive & dish
  • Advanced pull-up jump shot arsenal
  • Phenomenal athlete with explosiveness and great body control

Cons:

  • Needs to improve shot selection and decision making- played hero ball at times at GT
  • Must improve finishing through contact at the rim
  • Doesn’t play above the rim often when attacking in the half court
  • Sometimes shoots on the way down on pull up jumpers/ sometimes doesn’t get much lift
  • Needs to speed up his shot- slow lift and somewhat slow release with somewhat low release point poses questions about jump shot success in the NBA

Overall: Okogie can score from all three levels, and can score both off the dribble and coming off of screens for spot up 3s. Okogie has been comfortable taking NBA range threes both seasons at Georgia Tech, which bodes well for a quicker success from 3 in the NBA. Additionally, he is quick in coming off of screens and has quick footwork to set and hit a spot up 3 behind a screen. His off-ball movement will amplify his 3 point shooting. Defensively, Okogie’s combination of quick reflexes and long arms helps him as a defensive stopper, particularly in the P&R on defense. He is able to easily fight through screens and stay with his man, making him one of the stronger P&R defenders among wings.

NBA Comparison: Kent Bazemore/ Caris LeVert

Projected draft range: 16-28

Fit with Mavericks: With the need of athleticism and wings on the Mavericks roster, Okogie serves as a great fit. He could learn from Wesley Matthews on how to elevate his game towards an elite defender, and could learn a lot under a great coach like Rick Carlisle. His playmaking is much needed at the wings, as that was the weakest shot creation position for the Mavericks many times this in 2017-18. Okogie would be the only wing on the roster to thrive in the drive & kick, which is an area that has been suffering since the departure of Chandler Parsons and Monta Ellis. Okogie could bring a 3&D mentality that the Mavericks had hoped to get from Matthews in 2015, with more playmaking and slashing ability. Additionally, Okogie would likely compliment Dennis Smith on both ends by taking pressure of Smith, both as a spot up shooter and as a defender. The Mavericks would need to acquire another first round pick to acquire Okogie, as I do not project him to be available at 33.

 

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