2018 NBA Draft: 5 potential second round steals

4. Keita Bates-Diop, PF — Minnesota Timberwolves (No.48)

Now I understand that I was higher on Keita Bates-Diop than others. I get it, but never will I ever understand how he fell this far in the draft. The early second round would have been fine with me, but the 48th pick is absurd.

Keita Bates-Diop caught the attention of the NBA during his breakout season at Ohio State. The 4 man stands at 6’8″ with a 7’3″ wingspan. Bates-Diop is a wonderful scorer that excels isolating in the high post, knocking down tough shots with an array of fadeaways combined with an incredibly high release. Bates-Diop should also have equity as a floor-spacer and a ball screen threat popping out to the 3-point line. He also is an underrated passer in the high post area.

I think the major question that popped out into the minds of executives was whether he was quick enough to defend on the perimeter. Personally, I believe his long strides do make up for some of his inefficiencies laterally. However, he is plenty quick enough to guard fellow 4-men on the perimeter — just not NBA wings with above-average speed.

Bates-Diop fits in perfectly with the Minnesota Timberwolves bench and should be an immediate contributor, thriving in the high post and spacing the floor while also becoming a valuable two-way player.