Ok ... what decent perimeter skills does Okongwu posses??
Watch below his scouting report weakness. Poor shooter and passing skills at the moment
https://youtu.be/dPFzWZfnJUY
For Jalen Smith the 2nd bullit point. Regarding his defensive impact
https://youtu.be/XfKPIOh1LFE
Okongwu D is not leaps better like you describe. It is better but there is room for Smith to improve. Where as Okongwu is a solid D big but his offensive ceiling is hard to gauge. His jump shot needs work. Awkward looking form.
I ask again, what difference are we looking at between Okongwu and Timelord really?
Scenerio: in the playoffs, a smart team can lay layoff Timelord/Okongwu. Where a stretch big like Smith forces Bam come out to guard him out to the perimeter, opening up space underneath the basket. Making Brown, Tatum, Walker life a little easier
Man, you don't need perimeter skills on offence if you're an elite roll man. His athleticism and soft touch inside make him a threat to score whenever he's in the key, and he's a great offensive rebounder to go alongside his great vertical spacing.
Okongwu is not merely a "solid D big". That's so over the top dismissive of his ability. He's good in every PnR coverage, can defend multiple positions, plays longer than his wingspan and height, is the best shot-blocker in the class, and is only 19.
Okongwu is better at both ends than Timelord. That's the difference.
Didn't we layoff Bam? Did that help us slow down Miami's shooters? What about Miami laying off Dwight and McGee?
What does laying off Bam have to do with Okongwu? Bam can pass and is one of the premier passing big man. Also can drive to the basket for finishes on his own. He can be trusted to make decisions with the ball
Miami did lay off Dwight and McGee. Thats why in game 4, 5 and 6, they didn't play many important mins. McGee was like a ghost ineffective
Okongwu rolling ability to the basket ... Tristant Thompson comparison has been already brought up. Also Clint Capela comparison is another good one
IF you are telling me, Okongwu is that elite as a roll man. In todays NBA that is not enough and can be prepared for. If you told me Okongwu is also a very good passer .... then his rolling to the basket capabilities is heightened ... just like Bam
Btw Okongwu is the best shot blocker? He blocked 76 last season and Smith blocked 74 shots. Oturu blocked 76 shots. Azubike 80 total blocks etc I don't understand how you are coming up with this conclusion.
This may sound like I'm down on Okongwu....but I feel like you are too high on him. Like he is going to be the next Bam....
At the end of the day, we could argue about Okongwu game/potential....but realistically we have a very low chance to draft him/trade up for him. My focus has turned to Smith. Who also can shoot the 3 which Brad likes