NBA Draft 2020: 5 best fits for Onyeka Okongwu
By Alec Liebsch
5. Phoenix Suns
It’s highly unlikely that Okongwu falls to 10th overall, but the Phoenix Suns would be ecstatic if he did. Several of the fun Suns’ needs are satisfied by Okongwu, especially as they shift in a more competitive direction.
Okongwu’s defensive versatility could make him an interesting partner for DeAndre Ayton, covering for his shortcomings on that end while filling a role on offense next to the offensive-oriented pillar.
Between opposing frontcourts, Okongwu can take the more difficult matchup while Ayton hides on an inferior shooter. And for many of the minutes Ayton sits, Okongwu can slide to the 5 and be a defensive anchor. Since Aron Baynes may be leaving in free agency, this would be one way to fill that hole while also getting a defensive-minded 4 in the rotation.
The offensive end is where things get murky. Ayton had a projectable shooting stroke out of college, which was a big part of his No. 1 overall draft status, but he’s attempted just 17 3-pointers in 109 career games. Okongwu has the skill potential to be a long-range shooter but attempted just four 3s in 28 games at USC. Even if both start shooting 3s next season, the spacing will be cramped until 2022 at the earliest.
There are ways around that. First off, both have superior intellect for young bigs and can probably learn to play off one another. Both have good passing vision for their ages and positions, so finding ways to engage them off short rolls and backdoor baskets won’t be arduous.
Another thing working in their favor is Phoenix’s perimeter players. Devin Booker just averaged 26.6 points per game on a 61.8 true shooting percentage for a whole season — and his backcourt mate was Ricky Rubio. The front office has collected shooters around Booker as well, such as Kelly Oubre, Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges. So it’s feasible to think a lineup of Booker-shooter-shooter-Okongwu-Ayton can be functional offensively.
The fit isn’t squeaky-clean, but it’s pretty good for this Suns roster. Should he fall to 10, or should Phoenix look to move up, he’s a good candidate for their selection.