Ultimate Upside Comparison: Jae Crowder
Safe Upside Comparison: P.J. Tucker
Position: Small Forward
Age: 22 (12/5/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.75″, 241 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .487/.424/.785
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.1 3PM
The Portland Trail Blazers are a rumored trade partner for the New York Knicks. If Portland holds on to its three picks, however, the primary theme should continue to ring true at No. 26: Terry Stotts needs help on defense.
It’s genuinely possible that he won’t be available at No. 26, but Semi Ojeleye has the skill set to be a perfect fit with the Trail Blazers.
Ojeleye compares favorably to Jae Crowder in that he’s a hybrid forward who can defend both 3s and 4s. He’ll need to improve his footwork and overall fundamentals at the next level, but Ojeleye has clear upside to be found in his athletic ability and strength.
On the offensive end of the floor, Ojeleye fits the identity of what Portland has been building as a lights-out shooter from beyond the arc.
Ojeleye drained 73 3-point field goals on 42.4 percent shooting during his memorable 2016-17 season at SMU. He showed no fear when getting his shot off, and played a surprisingly efficient game from the mid-post area.
Portland will likely pursue the possibility of a trade, but Ojeleye would be an excellent addition to a team that knows how to coach tweeners.