OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Rokas Jokubaitis – European combo guard

Rokas Jokubaitis strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

Zalgiris utilized Jokubaitis at both guard positions but he’s capable of serving as the backup point guard for an NBA club in his rookie season.

At 6’5 his court vision and adeptness running the pick and roll are obvious transferable skills. Adept at changing speeds with a well-developed set of passing skills, Jokubaitis is able to keep defenders engaged. That’s because he’s just as likely to seek his own shot as he is to hit a cutter, big man in the post or whip a pass to the corner.

When he elects to score he draws from a versatile toolbox of pull-up jumpers, aggressive drives to the paint, or pulls up to take a 3-pointer.

Defensively his I.Q., length, and aggressiveness aid his ability but there is room for growth.

Weaknesses:

Jokubaitis’ lack of athleticism presents the greatest issue for the combo guard’s transition to the NBA. That will impact the defensive end of the hardwood more than offensively but presents issues there as well.

Although he shot well from the perimeter (38.8 percent) he didn’t attempt many 3-pointers (1.6) so needs to work on increasing his volume. He needs to improve scoring when using his right hand.

Hitting the weight room and working on his lateral slides will be essential lab work for the youngster.

Depending on the drafting team the fact he may elect to remain in Europe could be viewed as a positive (draft and stash) or a negative – – a team who needs a contributing prospect right away.