FanSided Network 2018 NBA Mock Draft

The Sixers get to double down on perimeter depth with the 26th pick. Okogie has been shooting up draft boards after a strong showing at the combine, and for good reason. His defensive versatility and shot-making are valuable traits late in the first round. At Georgia Tech, Okogie was the offensive bell cow. They lacked reliable scoring, which in turn gave Okogie the green light. His handles could be tighter, but he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor and knocking down tough shots at all three levels. That’s promising. He also does nice work off the ball, especially as a cutter. Marco Belinelli and J.J. Redick brought a ton of value to the Sixers’ offense with their nifty cutting last season, with Ben Simmons often rewarding their efforts. Adding Okogie’s ability to find open pockets and make strong moves to the rim would be beneficial.

Where Okogie brings first-round value, though, is the defensive end. At 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, he’s strong enough to defend three positions. He’s incredibly active on that side of the ball, using his athleticism to bother passes and make the occasional weak-side block. Okogie averaged 1.8 steals and one block per game last season. The Sixers, despite their elite defensive core, were exposed in the second unit during the playoffs. Belinelli was a fine reserve who was wildly effective upon joining the team in February, but he can’t be their only option against bad matchups in a seven-game series. Adding another versatile body like Okogie helps solve that problem. A complimentary piece who can create off the dribble in spurts, Okogie makes a lot of sense as a two-way wing off the bench. That, along with Gilgeous-Alexander’s creation skills, makes for a strong first round in Philly.

— Christopher Kline

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