OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Isaac Okoro

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer lists Gerald Wallace and Justise Winslow as possible NBA comparisons while NBA Draft Net lists Caron Butler and Justin Anderson.

That’s a sweeping range of players. Wallace was considered a Swiss Army knife-type player who could fill up stat sheets both in terms of the three key categories as well as defensively with steals and blocks. Likewise, Winslow offers similar attributes. Butler while a reliable defender was known more for his offensive contributions and Anderson just got back into the league offering energy as a reserve.

In other words, no one is quite sure what Okoro’s ceiling is or if he’ll be able to fully reach his potential.

OKC Thunder fit:

Okoro is still young with time to develop and correct mechanical and form limitations. If he can land with a team with experience and demonstrated player development skills it could determine how rapidly (or if) he ascends to reap those benefits.

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As an example when OG Anunoby was playing his collegiate ball, like Okoro he struggled with his shot. In two seasons at Indiana Anunoby shot 47.6 percent and 56.3 percent from the free-throw line. In his sophomore season, he shot 31.1 percent from the perimeter.

Flash forward to his or career and in Anunoby’s third season with the Raptors, he shot over 70 percent (70.6%) from the charity stripe and 39.0 percent from deep.

Closer to home, Okoro could look at Luguentz Dort as someone to emulate. Although Dort is streaky from the perimeter he also showcased his work ethic to improve. And not only demonstrated that ability, but Dort did it in the biggest game of the Thunder season almost singlehandedly providing enough offense to push OKC into the second round.

Ultimately, Okoro is earmarked to be selected in the lottery well ahead of the Thunder 25th pick. Okoro is almost prototypical of the type of player Presti likes but it’s unlikely (nor advisable) he’ll make moves to trade up for the Auburn wing.