Semi Ojeleye Could be a Steal with the 37th Pick
Semi Ojeleye is somebody the Philadelphia 76ers need to consider with the 37th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Semi Ojeleye is a 22-year-old Duke transfer who just finished his junior year at SMU. Ojeleye benefited from the lower level of competition in the AAC, shooting 53 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three. With a strong athletic build, Ojeleye was able to play the 4 in college but lacks to length to do so at the next level. Standing 6-7, with a 6-10 wingspan, Ojeleye struggled to finish in the post and those struggles will not get any easier in the NBA. Ojeleye has demonstrated with consistency that he has the shooting ability and athleticism to play as a wing for an NBA team, like the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia 76ers
Ojeleye played 34 minutes per game allowing him to average 7.4 2-point attempts and 4.9 3-point attempts per game. Making both shots at an exceptional rate, along with a 78.5 percent free throw rate, Ojeleye shot will be a key to his success. Although the weaker competition may inflate these numbers compared to other draft prospects, it is clear that he will have no issue making uncontested shots. His shot does seem a little flat which brings up concerns about how he will adjust to the NBA 3-point line, but this is a challenge every prospect must face.
Ojeleye’s strong frame has allowed him to create separation on the pick and pop where he led the NCAA in pick and pop efficiency. Ojeleye can also utilize a one or two dribble hop which he uses well to either draw contact in the paint or to set himself for a contested jumper. Ojeleye drives in a straight line to the basket, seeking out contact to get to the free throw line, occasionally resulting in a charge. If he cannot get a call, Ojeleye does not have a finesse move he can use to get a shot off over a taller rim protector. Adding a floater or increasing the efficiency of his off-hand could make him a real threat driving to rim.
Ojeleye has shown the necessary lateral quickness to defend guards in college and is a major reason he will have success guarding 3’s in the NBA. In the pick and roll, he had no trouble switching onto the lead guard and contesting shots either on the perimeter or at the rim. Ojeleye has a decent vertical but refuses to contest shots at the rim when he has to rotate. He instead goes into a do-not-foul mode and stands still with his hands up. This is not necessarily bad but he needs to challenge shorter defenders who can go around him if he sets up too early or draw a blocking foul if he sets up too late.
His overall block and steal numbers are not impressive either, but he does have the tools to keep defenders in front of him. When he is mentally engaged, Ojeleye can completely box out an opponent going for a rebound. He does get caught ball watching and once he loses position, he lacks the length to recover.
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Transitioning positions is never easy but Ojeleye has the skills and athleticism to do so successfully. With most second round picks, there will be significant weaknesses in his game, but shooting and athleticism are not for Ojeleye. Keeping up with the speed of the NBA and knocking down open shots is a recipe for a two way player and something that every team needs which is why the Philadelphia 76ers should select Semi Ojeleye with the 37th pick if he is available.