Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades
player. 86. . Shooting Guard. Georiga Tech. Josh Okogie. 20
The Minnesota Timberwolves landed this selection from the Ricky Rubio trade with the Utah Jazz. With the No. 20 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Georgia Tech shooting guard, Josh Okogie.
Okogie jumps off the page given his eye-popping athleticism and wingspan. Okogie jumps out of the gym with a 42-inch vertical jump and a 7-foot wingspan. That profiles as an excellent defender.
Offensively, Okogie constantly attacks the rim. He averaged 6.6 free throws per game during his collegiate career, knocking down 77.7 percent of his free throws. What the Timberwolves will like is his 3-point shooting, as he knocked down 38.2 percent with the Yellow Jackets. His overall efficiency wasn’t great at Georgia Tech, but it should improve with better talent surrounding him.
3-point shooting was a sore spot for Minnesota last season, so Okogie will help there. With Jamal Crawford likely leaving in free agency, Okogie could have a role off the bench right off the bat.
His scoring punch will be much needed if Crawford indeed leaves. However, it is his defensive prowess is something that Tom Thibodeau will really like. Okogie brings a lot to the table that will help Minnesota right away.