Fit with the Bucks
There’s a case to be made for Okpala as a seamless long-term fit with the Bucks, but it’s the long-term element of that that’s the most important consideration of all.
Okpala has the kind of size, length and positional versatility to become an incredibly skilled and valuable defender, regardless of scheme, while he also has glimpses of offensive potential and shooting improvements that could make him an ideal addition for any NBA team.
In Milwaukee’s case, and with the immediacy of their situation due to Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s next contract and their proximity to contention already, it’s tough to know whether the Bucks are going to be all that interested in taking on project picks.
The Bucks have got great contributions and more immediate impact out of more experienced college players in recent seasons, and the prospect of adding a player similarly capable of helping them to win now would have obvious appeal.
On the other hand, considering the dramatically increased cost of the current squad if the Bucks manage to retain them in free agency, and the fact Milwaukee won’t have a draft pick next year, there may also be cause to take a bigger swing with a view to a potentially greater reward in the long term.
Of course, much of this could be a moot point if Okpala isn’t on the board by the time Milwaukee find themselves on the clock on draft night.
Still, there can be no doubting that Okpala should be a source of real intrigue for the Bucks when it comes to ranking prospects on their board.