7. ISAAC OKORO, Wing, Auburn
Few college players had a defensive presence comparable to Isaac Okoro last season. He’s a menace on that side of the ball, whether it’s playing free safety and siphoning off passes, or hounding the opposition’s lead scorer. He’s a versatile, explosive athlete at 6-foot-7, and he uses every ounce of his athleticism on defense.
Okoro does a lot of good things on offense as well. He hustles and plays smart. He moves the ball early and often, and he cuts hard to the basket when opportunities arise. A complete overhaul of his jump shot is necessary — and that’s certainly his biggest flaw — but on the whole, Okoro has a high floor and a desirable set of skills in a shallow lottery.
On his defense alone, Okoro should bring value to an NBA floor. He covers large swathes of ground and his nose for the ball is impeccable. He can fit into any scheme, and guard just about anyone outside the frontcourt. He will need to add a reliable three-point stroke to unlock star potential, but there’s immense value in a top-notch defender who plays unselfishly.