Isaac Okoro: 2020 Scouting Report

In a league that has found elite players at the wing, some believe, Isaac Okoro could become the next great wing in the NBA. 

Bio and Measurables:

Strengths: Isaac Okoro proved during his freshman season at Auburn that he is ready to be an impact player at the next level. A projected lottery pick, Okoro showcased his high motor and leaping ability both in transition and the half court during his one season playing in the SEC. On the offensive end, Okoro is most comfortable above and around the rim. With a deceptively quick first step, he creates space on the drive and has the ability to finish on both sides of the basket making it harder for defenders to limit his attacking ability. On the finish, Okoro has often proved he can change direction in the air and finish acrobatically through traffic finding an sliver of space between his defender and the hoop. Yet this is not to say that he rather convert a flashy finish than take on contact, he actually welcomes it. His 6-6, 225, frame allows him not only to prepare for contact around the basket but use his size as an advantage when attacking the rim. His athleticism and leaping ability also make him an explosive dunker that has no problem rising up in transition or finding an opportunity to score by cutting to basket. Okoro has also shown that he has the ability to navigate through traffic while on the ground, frequently using the euro step and spin move to find open space around the glass. From a shooting standpoint Okoro showed that he does have the ability to knock down shots but prefers to use a combination of his leaping and finishing ability to score.

In regards to rebounding and defense, Okoro has the ability to become both an above average rebounder and an elite defender at the NBA level. During his time at Auburn, Okoro never took a play off, with his high motor and leaping ability he found success rebounding on both the offensive and defensive ends. As a defender, Okoro was one of the best in college. With fast feet and quick hips Okoro had no problem staying in front of his man on the perimeter, frustrating top draft talent Anthony Edwards. He is also extremely disciplined. Even though it will not show up in the stat sheets, because he does not produce eye popping blocks or steals, Okoro stays out of foul trouble while impacting the game which is one of the most valuable assets for a young defender. Not enough can be said about the defense that Okoro plays on and off the ball. The type of intensity and focus he brings to the defensive side of the ball will help earn him minutes at the next level which will in turn help him improve the weaknesses in his game making him a better all around player.

Weaknesses: For everything that can be said about Okoro’s finishing ability that is about all that can be said for his offensive game. A mid-range or post game is non-existent. Though he did take shots from behind the arc his mechanics seems to change from shot to shot and the confidence he has in his jumper is low. There should also be concern about how viable Okoro as a shooter will be at the next level. While he will be able to learn and grow in an NBA development system it could take years for them to rebuild his jump shot. Most prospects that struggle with their shooting have some type of foundation at the free throw line but Okoro has shown he is inconsistent at best, with a “clunky” form. He shot poorly in catch and shoot opportunities even when he was wide open at the college level and those are shots he will need to be able to make in the NBA. The struggles he has faced with his jumper has diminished his confidence and have effected his entire offensive game. An example of his lack of confidence, diminishing his impact on the offensive end, is turnovers. He has a tendency to pass out of open looks and overcommit to a drive even before he has the basketball. This leads to overdribbling and tunnel vision which causes live ball turnovers and transition buckets. At the next level he will have to begin to develop an outside game or his entire offensive game will struggle. If defenses know he is unable to shoot from outside of 10 feet, they will pack the paint and make it harder for him to make an impact at the rim.

External Factors: Okoro does not have any external factors that will hinder his development at the next level.

Medial History: During the 19-20 season Okoro missed some time due to a hamstring injury suffered during an OT game against Alabama. It was reported he did not have any structural damage and returned to action after missing two games. Even though hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger, there is no cause for concern in regards to his draft stock or development.

Summary: Okoro does not have a medical history or any type of external factor impacting his development at the next level which is extremely positive. On the defensive end, Okoro proved at Auburn that he can be an elite defender at any level often guarding the most talented player on the other team. Locking down other lottery picks and helping his team win games with fundamental defense will be a skill that can immediately transfer to the NBA. Physical ability is also a major positive for Okoro who has shown he has the ability to play above the rim and use his deceptively quick first step to generate angles on both sides of the floor. Being able to finish with both hands or in the paint is not something all prospect at the top of the draft currently have and will create more opportunities for Okoro at the next level. On the glass his motor, coupled with his leaping ability will benefit his team overall. However, this is not to say Okoro is the perfect prospect. The NBA is moving farther away from the basket every year and as a Small Forward you need to be able to, at minimum, hit open catch and shoot jumpers which is something he has struggled with. This inability to shoot could lead to the floor shrinking and put strain on the other members of his team to make plays. On top of his inability to shoot is his lack of confidence, which could follow him even after his jumpshot is rebuilt. You won’t be able to force Okoro to take shots outside of 10 feet, the staff that drafts him will just have to convince him driving into a double team is worse than missing a corner three. Overall, he is worth the lottery pick and will be able to find minutes on the floor because of his defense. However, if he is able to improve his shooting form and harness the playmaking ability he showed flashes of at Auburn he could be the next great 3&D player.