NBA Draft 2019 Prospect Watch: KZ Okpala

PALO ALTO, CA - FEBRUARY 28: (Photo by Cody Glenn/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - FEBRUARY 28: (Photo by Cody Glenn/Getty Images) /
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PALO ALTO, CA – FEBRUARY 13: (Photo by Cody Glenn/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA – FEBRUARY 13: (Photo by Cody Glenn/Getty Images) /

What the experts say

ESPN [$] (Jonathan Givony): 25th

The Ringer (Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks): 38th

Sports Illustrated (Jeremy Woo): 29th

Sporting News (Chris Stone): 26th

The Athletic [$] (Sam Vecenie): 21st

The Stepien (Composite Rank): 38th

The Step Back (Brandon Kleen): N/A

Quotes:

Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated acknowledges just how raw Okpala is, but sees enough value in his potential to slot him in as a first round pick:

"“While he had an inconsistent year at Stanford and will likely require seasoning in the G League, Okpala’s best flashes are tantalizing, and the hope is he can add some value as a big, slashing wing who plays both ends of the floor.”"

At this point in his development, Chris Stone of Sporting News sees the primary source of appeal for Okpala as centered around his physical gifts:

"“Positional size and athleticism are the highlights of Okpala’s raw game right now. He’ll earn plenty of looks up the board thanks to that combination and the occasional flashes of offensive skill.”"