OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Usman Garuba – high-energy defender

Usman Garuba strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

Garuba has an argument to be considered the best defender in this draft class. Although 6’8 is on the shorter side for a center, in the new NBA era of small ball it’s less of an issue. Case in point –  PJ Tucker, Draymond Green, and Bam Adebayo.

The Real Madrid center can guard one through five based on his athleticism, quickness, effort, and excellent hands. What he lacks in height is made up for by his 7’3″ wingspan.

Offensively there is ample room for growth. Although he’s not taking a ton of 3-point shots, he is working to improve and recognized improvement over the course of the season (33.8 percent).

Is a high I.Q. player which shows up on both ends with his underrated passing ability.

Yet, it’s his combination of high energy, leaping ability, and speed that he utilizes for most of his points. Expect lots of dunks as well as him functioning in the pick and roll to garner most of his points.

Excels at every level of defense whether guarding at the perimeter or banging bodies under the rim and has excellent lateral movement.

Weaknesses:

Clearly, the offensive side of the hardwood is where he needs to spend the most time in the lab. Neither his perimeter (and FIBA’s 3-point line is shorter than the NBA) or free throw efficiency (67.6 percent) is above average.

No versatility in his offense with absolutely no mid-range game nor can he create off the dribble for himself.  It doesn’t get much better once he’s in the paint as it’s either a dunk, score off a lob, or a predictable move over his left shoulder.

He wasn’t tasked as a primary scorer or relied on to shoot much in Spain. He’ll need to invest time in the gym getting up reps and work with his drafting team to tweak his shot mechanics and build his confidence in shooting them.