Ojeleye has some question marks heading to the NBA draft, but has put up the type of dominant second-half surge that makes him a very real option in the first round come this year’s draft, should he make that commitment. At 6-7, he’s another undersized four, but lacks the same lateral quickness as guys like Miles Bridges — which hinders his defensive potential when switching to the three spot full time.
Regardless, though, he has most certainly proven his worth as somebody who can help a team win based on energy and physicality alone. He’s built like pickup truck, boasting a strong frame and excellent body width that helps him carve out position around the basket and body up bigger opposition at an extremely high level. He’s relentless on the boards, and couples that with a defensive aggression that could help cancel out some of his imperfections.
Ojeleye has also shown some nice upside offensively, excelling as a hard-nosed cutter and an improved shot creator around the basket and in the short mid-range game. He’s also a 42.4 percent 3-point shooter on 4.9 attempts per game. If a physical specimen of his ilk is able to translate into an immediate shooting threat at the next level, that’s a massive boost in his stock.
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There are some impurities with Ojeleye as a prospect, but the Jazz — with their second first round pick — get some more depth in the frontcourt, while bringing in an a competitor of the highest degree. Ojeleye has grit, and boasts the skills and athletic tools to back it up. Utah has no problem pulling the trigger on him to end the primary round of draftees.