NBA Draft 2020: Mock Draft 5.0
player. 41. . Big (USC). Golden State Warriors. Onyeka Okongwu. 5
The Warriors have four of five spots in the rotation locked down. The center position remains more ambiguous. Kevon Looney has been a serviceable starting five for a couple years now, but it’s not unwise for Golden State to reinvest in the position. For my money, Onyeka Okongwu is the best center in this year’s draft.
He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-9, but Okongwu is a top-shelf athlete and one of the most efficient weapons from the college basketball ranks. He doesn’t need the ball to succeed, which is perfect for a stacked Warriors team. He can come in and set screens, catch lobs, and run the floor. He will do the little things to help Golden State’s high-powered offense run smoothly.
On defense, Okongwu is a smart and measured rim protector who makes good use of his 7-foot-1 wingspan. He would have the blessing of playing next to Draymond Green, who is one of the smartest and most vocal frontcourt defenders in basketball. Okongwu can also defend switches, handle his business on the perimeter, and battle bigger centers with vigor.