2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round as lottery nears

Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-9, 215 pounds
Slash Line: .465/.375/.671
Season Averages: 16.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The Brooklyn Nets watched their underdog season end in a blowout to the Philadelphia 76ers. They once had a competitive series set up, but the Sixers closed out with consecutive wins, defeating Jared Dudley in a “feud” and Joel Embiid returning to dominance.

Now, the Nets have the offseason to regroup and potentially play off this success. They have roster decisions to make, however, with D’Angelo Russell set for free agency and Ed Davis, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and DeMarre Carroll also set to leave.

Pieces are in place to build around, however, and Stanford KZ Okapala can join them as yet another wing who fits into the middle of a lineup.

Okpala’s size and length let him play above opponent, act as a small forward and even stretch as a power forward, despite not having a proficient three-point shot. It gives him upside as a shot blocker and to rack up steals, which he had 0.5 and 1.0 of per game, respectively.

Okpala needs to bulk up, however. That could slide him down the draft, as a lack of strength can prevent him from working inside and contesting rebounds. The upside is there as a wing scorer, but it might take a few years to reach that potential on a Nets team that may afford him that opportunity.