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
After a playoff series loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets must regroup in an important offseason. With outgoing players, some cap space and decisions to make, an underdog unit could have a different look and higher expectations.
Part of it revolves around D’Angelo Russell‘s stats. If the Nets re-sign him, it will constrict their cap space; but there is young talent in place, including Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Spencer Dinwiddie.
Pieces are in place to build around, and Stanford’s KZ Okpala is an interesting fit in a group that could use wings to upgrade the middle of their lineup.
Okpala’s intrigue comes from his combination of height and wingspan, projecting him as a good defender at the next level. The outside shot is inconsistent, but with development he can become a 10 to 15-point scorer down the road.
Filling out that frame is something to watch with Okpala, as well. While Keldon Johnson can pass for that weight, he is three inches shorter. Standing 6-foot-9, Okpala will need the necessary muscle to battle stronger players on the wing and grab rebounds. Without it, he could struggle. That leaves the potential to fall down the draft boards, too.