The Brooklyn Nets should take Josh Okogie in 2018 NBA Draft
By Ben Stinar
The Brooklyn Nets need a dynamic scorer with their first round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft at No. 29. Here’s why Josh Okogie should be their guy.
Josh Okogie, a sophomore who declared early out of Georgia Tech, is exactly who the Brooklyn Nets need to take with their first round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Okogie played two seasons in college and averaged an astounding 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game this season.
When analyzing the sophomore’s stats, an important tidbit to note, is this was all done within ACC play. He did not play in a small conference and average these stats, he played in the best basketball conference in the country.
The points he put up last season are fantastic, and scoring is what the Nets need, but what really stands out are the rebounds and blocks. The first person that comes to mind when thinking of exceptional rebounding and blocking for a scoring guard is Dwyane Wade. Being able to put the ball in the basket, but also perform well on defense and on the boards makes for a very rare skill-set.
Great stats in a great conference. Check. Multi-purpose contributions on the stat sheet. Check. Is there more though? Yes.
Not only was he fantastic on the court, but this is a high-character kid. Not everyone (including top-level athletes) can attend Georgia Tech. This is one of the premier universities in the entire country that demands the grades are high in the classroom regardless of athletic standing. Coming from a prestigious university and playing for a great coach like Josh Pastner will help him fit seamlessly into the culture the Nets are trying to build.
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At the NBA Draft Combine in May, Okogie boosted his stock from being an expected undrafted free agent to being a potential first round pick. He tied for first place with a max vertical jump of 42 inches, boasted a seven-foot wingspan and also recorded an 8’6″ standing reach. These natural gifts are incredible, and proved he has a more-than-ready NBA body. His max vertical jump is higher than Gerald Green, John Wall and Russell Westbrook‘s was, and has an identical wingspan to Dwyane Wade, Vince Carter and LeBron James.
If the Nets’ braintrust made an imaginary checklist with several categories, then marked them for each draft prospect, it’s not an exaggeration to say Josh Okogie would mark every box. Does he fit well for the high emphasis on character and winning culture? Yes. Is he someone who can be counted on as a No. 1 scorer? Yes. Is he a reliable defender? YES.
Last year, the organization selected Jarrett Allen, a center from Texas, who is only 20 years old and has fit in nicely. There is potential with Allen, so there is no need to take a big man like Mitchell Robinson. Brooklyn needs to bring in a player it can count on to score. Looking at the roster, there is no go-to guy. D’Angelo Russell is expected to put up stats, but is also expected to eventually mold into the point guard. Outside of Russell, they need a pure scorer who can be counted on to cary the offensive load.
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Josh Okogie has the potential to be an outstanding NBA player because of his length, size and athleticism. Scoring and playmaking are natural for him, and the Nets are the perfect match. Eventually Jeremy Lin and or Spencer Dinwiddie will be wearing a different uniform. The Nets should draft Josh Okogie, and they won’t regret it if they do.