NBA Draft Preview: Could Onyeka Okongwu salvage Sacramento’s long-defunct defense?

Who is the best defensive player to suit up for Sacramento since the playoff drought began in 2007?

It’s more of a riddle than a question, because there isn’t a straightforward answer. Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) is one name that comes to mind, but it’s a bit of a technicality, as he made the playoffs with Sacramento in 2006. Very few other names could even be suggested without inducing cringing.

In the team’s eight-year run of consecutive playoff appearances from 1999 to 2006, Sacramento’s defensive rating was better than league average five times. In the 14 years since, it’s been below average every single season.

Fortunately, the numbers have gotten a bit better in the last two seasons. Now could be the time to use a lottery pick on the defensive side of the ball. One solid piece, especially at the right position, could finally erase Sacramento’s longtime weakness.

Of all the players in the 2020 NBA Draft, USC freshman Onyeka Okongwu might be the most capable of helping the team make that leap.

STRENGTHS

Okongwu will enter the draft as the best defensive prospect among the big men in his class. He posted an absurd 2.7 blocks per game and will be ready to help protect the rim from Day 1 of his pro career. He is still a bit raw at 19 years old and will have to improve his timing and decision making, but that growth is to be expected from a one-and-done player.

What makes Okongwu’s defense special is how well it translates to the perimeter. He showed the ability to break up pick-and-rolls with ease and switch onto players of any size. Along with his impressive block numbers, Okongwu added 1.2 steals per game. All these skills add up to a very modern and very valuable defensive big man.

Part of what drives his defense is his high energy level and relentless hustle. That motor pairs well with his strong rebounding instincts. Despite being stuck playing power forward alongside a 6-foot-11 center at USC, Okongwu still managed to collect 8.6 rebounds a game. While he lacks elite size and physicality, his positioning and fluidity allow him to snap up plenty of boards.

While Okongwu’s best assets aren’t on offense, he is still expected to be very effective in the right spots. His 16.2 points per game on 61.6 percent shooting makes that clear. Get Okongwu around the rim and good things will happen. His post-up game is already impressive and varied, and his ability to work further from the basket could improve over time.

WEAKNESSES

For now, Okongwu is a zero when shooting from long range. Some scouts believe his form and touch indicate that he could add a 3-point shot to his repertoire one day, but that can’t be a part of his draft day evaluation. He took only four shots from beyond the arc at USC and made just one. Despite his defensive modernity, he may never grow into a modern offensive player.

Another aspect of his offense that falls flat is his playmaking. He shows the occasional flash out of the post, and is likely to be a functional passer, but this is not a strength of his game in any way. He produced nearly twice as many turnovers as assists as a freshman. That won’t get any better in his first few years as a pro, and he could hurt the ball movement of many lineups.

While Okongwu leads by example, he is far from vocal. Many of the worst defensive breakdowns of his season could have been salvaged by better communication. In the NBA, centers are expected to call out cuts and screens. Okongwu has acknowledged this as an area that needs improvement, but it won’t be easy to suddenly become a loud voice as a rookie.

Finally, there is the question of size. Generally speaking, smaller centers are more attractive than ever. Okongwu’s 6-foot-9 height and 7-foot-1 wingspan is larger than Draymond Green and comparable to Bam Adebayo. The league is trending small, but Okongwu will still probably need to be drafted to the right team with the right scheme for him to flourish.

FIT WITH THE KINGS

There are very few big men that would be a perfect fit alongside Marvin Bagley. Because Bagley has not proven to be a reliable shooter or rim protector, there are a lot of holes to fill in the future frontcourt of the Kings.

However, there has to come a point where Sacramento stops worrying about how its players fit with other pieces and just pick for talent. Okongwu has plenty of talent, and since so much of it rests on the defensive side of the ball, he should be considered a serious target.

Looking at strengths and weaknesses as a whole, and removing the context of positions, Sacramento’s defense simply needs help. Okongwu would provide that instantly and could do it on an elite level once he hits his prime years. He could be the answer to the depressing question posed to start this article.

Okongwu is most likely to be selected mid-lottery, which could make him unlikely to land in Sacramento, but there are still many moving pieces. If he falls to the Kings in the early teens, Sacramento should grab him without hesitation. And if the Kings move up into the lottery, he should be on their shortlist of favorites.