2019 NBA Mock Draft: Is R.J. Barrett right for the Knicks?

DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 05: Duke Blue Devils forward RJ Barrett (5) dribbles past Clemson Tigers forward David Skara (24) during the Duke Blue Devils game versus the Clemson Tigers on January 5, 2019, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC. (Photo by Brian Utesch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2 of 15

Okpala is one of the only players I will be able to scout in person living in Pac-12 country and I couldn’t be more excited. Conference play thus far has treated the sophomore incredibly well, as he put up 22 points and 12 rebounds against UCLA and a 12-8 against USC to open Stanford’s schedule. At 6-foot-8 with a legit 3-and-D profile, he’s quickly becoming one of the more interesting prospects in the 2019 class.

Memphis showed their hand this month by trading for swingman Justin Holiday, indicating a weakness on the wing they know is holding them back. It’s years of poor drafting coming back to bite the Grizzlies. They already ponied up to steal Kyle Anderson from the Spurs over the summer and already are reinforcing the position with this trade. The draft is nevertheless the most surefire way to rebuild this aging team, and after nailing the Jaren Jackson Jr. pick, Okpala would be another selection to modernize the Grizzlies’ roster.

Following Okpala’s season, the most interesting trend to take notice of will be his shooting progress. Despite finishing his freshman year with shooting splits of .393/.226/.679, the 19-year-old took a major step forward over the first couple months of the season. Keep an eye on his 3-point and free throw shooting — if they stay up, this guy becomes a potential gem.

Home/NBA Draft