2018 NBA Mock Draft: What do playoff teams need?
F. Ohio State. Keita Bates-Diop. 23. player. 100.
In the first round against LeBron James and the Cavaliers, guard Victor Oladipo’s usage has soared to nearly 38 percent for the Pacers. They need supplemental scoring, and that could come in the form of Bates-Diop.
Oladipo has been tremendously efficient, keeping Indiana competitive against the league’s best player. His .652 true shooting percentage is supported by a ton of 3s, plenty of free-throws, and unfortunately a fair amount of turnovers as well. A bystander to last year’s Russell Westbrook show in the playoffs against Houston, Oladipo has had to shoulder a nearly Westbrookian load for the Pacers this April. His assist percentage lies at .311, putting into perspective the sheer volume of his offensive responsibility.
Bates-Diop was actually forced into a similar role for the Buckeyes this season, but at the NBA level, he could be effective in a complementary role. The redshirt junior shot 36 percent from distance, taking advantage of the open shots created by a dynamic backcourt at Ohio State. He also showed the ability to draw free-throws, an efficient offensive diet that helped the Buckeyes make a tournament run.
Opposite Oladipo, Bates-Diop would be a floor-spacer who could score at the end of possessions against mismatches. His combination of length and quickness means it would be incredibly difficult to guard him in isolation, even for NBA defenders.