As Intentions continues our annual OKC Thunder NBA Draft profile series the next prospect we turn our attention to is Real Madrid forward Usman Garuba.
A small ball center who utilizes his athleticism and energy to great effect particularly on the defensive side of the hardwood. With few elite big men in this draft class, Usman will draw extra attention. Particularly from clubs who’ve witnessed the reinvigorated role of the big man this postseason.
While just 19 Garuba’s resume belies his age as he’s played internationally for three years appearing in close to 90 matches for the Spanish club just this season. Unlike his NCAA counterparts, his experience comes against grown men and will pay dividends as he transitions to the NBA.
OKC Thunder draft prospect profile for Usman Garuba:
Specifics:
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 229 pounds
- Wingspan: 7’3
- Position: Forward
- Birthdate/Age: March 9, 2002, 19 years
- International: Real Madrid, 3 years
- Stat line: 5.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.4 blocks
- Home Town: Madrid, Spain
Box Score Statistics:
| Season | Team | League | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | Real Madrid | Liga ACB | 2 | 8.5 | 2.5 | .800 | 2.5 | .800 | 1.000 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 4.5 | |
| 2019-20 | Real Madrid | Liga ACB | 22 | 17.5 | 3.5 | .553 | .308 | 2.9 | .603 | .556 | 1.7 | 3.9 | 5.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 4.7 |
| 2019-20 | Real Madrid | EuroLeague | 14 | 11.9 | 2.6 | .676 | .333 | 2.2 | .742 | .500 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 4.4 |
| 2020-21 | Real Madrid | Liga ACB | 36 | 18.7 | 4.6 | .461 | .338 | 2.7 | .552 | .676 | 1.6 | 3.7 | 5.3 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 5.6 |
| 2020-21 | Real Madrid | EuroLeague | 38 | 16.5 | 3.1 | .504 | .275 | 2.0 | .623 | .595 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 4.1 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 4.0 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/16/2021.
Current Ranking:
Some mock drafts have Garuba being selected in the middle of the first round while others believe he’ll go later in the first.
- The Ringer: 14th
- NBA DraftNet: 18th
- ESPN: 15th
- CBS Sports: 19th
- NBA: 24th
- Bleacher Report: 25th
- FanSided The Step Back: 18th
With that let’s dive a little deeper into Usman Garuba to determine his strengths and weaknesses.