OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect series: Wesley Iwundu

Wesley Iwundu projects as a prototypical OKC Thunder guard, but is that a good thing? Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The second round is stocked with potential guards for the OKC Thunder to select; Wesley Iwundu is one of the more interesting prospects to consider.

Wesley Iwundu enters the draft with little name recognition but loads of potential as a role player in the NBA. Iwundu took a huge step his senior season, putting him on the NBA radar because of his versatility on both ends of the court.

Specifics

Height: 6’7

Weight: 205 pounds

Position: Small Forward

Age: 22

College: Kansas State

Statline: 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1 steal, .3 blocks

Current rankings

Please note that rankings are the most up-to-date at the time of writing this. They are subject to change at any moment and for any reason.

Draft Express: 53rd overall prospect

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: N/A

CBS Sports: 59th overall prospect

Skills

If Iwundu never figures out the offensive end he’ll still have a chance in the league as a lockdown defender. Standing 6’7 with a 7’1 wingspan, the Kansas State product has the physical tools and work ethic to be a multi-positional defender. Those same physical tools give him a few advantages on offense as well.

Iwundu isn’t necessarily the most skilled player but his length allows him to be a good finisher at the rim. But his offensive value comes from his unselfishness. When the 22-year old attacks he still keeps an eye out for open teammates, one of the few wings in this draft who naturally play that way. Iwundu’s length helps in this regard as well because he is able to find passing angles before they close up.

Weaknesses

Length and athleticism will only get you so far in the NBA. Iwundu’s physical attributes plays the part of the prototypical defensive-minded forward, but his actual game isn’t there yet. He only averaged .3 blocks his senior season, a decrease from his freshman and sophomore seasons. Iwundu lacks the strength to bang bodies down low, a requirement for a player projected to be a small ball four in some situations.

Offensively Iwundu will have to work on his jumper. Defenders are expected to at least space the floor on offense, yet the forward isn’t close to striking fear in opponents with his jump shot. Although Iwundu is a solid passer he doesn’t have the ballhandling abilities to break down his defender in the NBA. He’s got a solid foundation, but the 22-year old will have to greatly tighten up his skills if he wants to stick in the league.

Honors and awards

All-BIG 12 Third Team (2016 & 2017)

Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2016)

More from Thunderous Intentions

Big-12 Co-Player of the Week (11/16/15)

The fit

Wesley Iwundu has grown on me as we get closer to the draft. His leap from his junior season to his senior season shows a person who wants to be great at his craft – it’s why I think he will tune up his shooting and dribbling.

Here’s the problem: the Thunder already have an Iwundu-like prospect in the pipeline. Oklahoma City traded for the draft rights to Daniel Hamilton last season, a younger version of Iwundu. Hamilton took a big leap in his first professional season and seems likely to have earned a spot on next year roster via a two-way contract.

Ultimately one smart organization will draft Iwundu with the specific idea of developing him into an above-average defender who can make the occasional play on offense. Sounds like a San Antonio Spur to me.

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