Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans Draft Prospect Isaac Okoro: “My defense can help any team”

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Isaac Okoro could be the defensive wing the New Orleans Pelicans need (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Isaac Okoro could be the defensive wing the New Orleans Pelicans need (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Isaac Okoro, New Orleans Pelicans
Isaac Okoro’s defensive versatility should interest the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans Draft Prospect: Isaac Okoro’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Isaac Okoro can flat out defend.

You only have to watch a bit of his film to see that he has a high motor on defense, doesn’t take plays off and can guard just about anyone on the floor.

Okoro was often tasked with guarding everyone from the point guard to the power forward. He has defended guys like Kira Lewis Jr., who is probably the fastest player in the draft. Okoro was able to stay in front of Lewis Jr. which bodes well for his chances of being an elite defender in the NBA.

Here he is breaking down his defensive versatility compared to some of the NBA’s greats:

Okoro is just 19-years-old but already has an NBA frame at 6-foot-6, 225lbs. so he should get run as a rookie. He has a high defensive I.Q. and seems to relish guarding the other team’s best player.

Okoro could eventually be a lockdown wing in the NBA, which is one of the most valuable commodities.

While Okoro is efficient around the rim, he’s not much of a scorer or shooter. His shooting stroke isn’t awful but he hit just 28.6 percent of his 3-point shots as a freshman at Auburn. Okoro didn’t shoot many three’s so it’s something he will have to add to his game.

Okoro is not a great rebounder, playmaker or passer, so he will have to rely on elite defense to succeed at the next level. The same could be said of OG Anunoby or Andre Iguodala, two players often compared to Okoro.

Both were able to eventually add a 3-point game and it’s important to remember that Iguodala didn’t really start making three’s until his fourth year in the league.

Okoro should eventually develop a shot, but could easily make an NBA rotation based on his defense alone. If Okoro develops even an average NBA 3-point shot he will be one of the more valuable 3-and-D wings from this draft, and a perfect fit for the New Orleans Pelicans.