Ultimate Upside Comparison: Donovan Mitchell
Safe Upside Comparison: Eric Gordon
Age: 19 (9/1/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 211 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .416/.380/.821
Season Averages: 36.4 MPG, 18.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.6 3PM
I normally hate comparing prospects to player who haven’t realized their potential, but it fits.
Georgia Tech Yellowjackets star Josh Okogie stands at just under 6’5″, but he has a massive wingspan, explosive athleticism, and a jump shot. He boasts a somewhat well-rounded game in the sense that he provides value in virtually every phase.
There are red flags on the court that could lead one to questioning if he can realize his All-Star potential, but Okogie has a chance to be the New York Knicks’ Donovan Mitchell.
In addition to boasting a 7’0″ wingspan, Okogie posted a 42.0″ max vertical leap—tied for the highest mark in this draft class. He also ran the three quarter sprint in 3.04 seconds—the fastest time of any player in the class of 2018.
The only player who ran a faster time than Okogie at the 2017 NBA Draft Combine was—you guessed it—Donovan Mitchell.
On the court, Okogie has a solid outside shot, a strong handle, ultra-competitiveness, and the vision to distribute as a combo guard. He plays bigger than he is, has fluid athleticism on the drive, and showcases the tools to be a better finisher in the NBA—something David Fizdale emphasizes.
The New York Knicks need a scorer and a defender, and Okogie could be the supremely competitive two-way player who develops into a star long-term.