The Philadelphia 76ers simply need to select the best player available. The Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris trades landed them two elite wings, but those moves also completely depleted the roster’s depth.
At this point in the draft, Okpala is the best player on the board. He can flat out score the basketball and averaged 16.9 points per game at Stanford this season.
Okpala was projected to be an effective slasher after his freshman season. He is a great athlete, and his 6’9″ size allows him to finish at the basket with ease. However, his jump shot was the story of his sophomore season.
After shooting only 22.6% from three as a freshman, Okpala worked on his game and raised his three-point percentage to 37.5% as a sophomore. To make matters more impressive, he raised his attempts to 3 per game up from 1.3 in his freshman season.
If Okpala’s improved shooting is for real, he could be a steal in the back half of the first round. For the 76ers, he could immediately give them another scoring option at the forward position, which is something they desperately need with Harris and Butler both set to hit the open market this summer.
If he slid back one more pick, he would be a great selection for the Portland Trail Blazers, as well.