14. Isaac Okoro, wing, Auburn
At 18 years old, Isaac Okoro was one of the best defenders in college basketball. He’s an elite athlete at 6-foot-7, and he profiles as possibly the top defensive prospect on this board — period. He can defend multiple positions, he’s smart beyond his years, and he competes hard. The intangibles are off the charts.
My main reservation with Okoro, who projects as a top-10 pick, is his lack of a jumper. We have seen plenty of talented two-way wings who simply cannot overcome a poor jumper. Developing his jumper should be Okoro’s top priority. Defenses will ignore him otherwise.
Even so, Okoro is too cerebral and too talented not to get consideration in the lottery. His defense alone should provide value, while his production as a cutter and ball-mover could make up for his limitations as a scorer. Put him in the right setting — preferably with a bunch of shooters around him — and he will blossom.