Okongwu: ‘if I were to be drafted by Boston, I’d definitely fit in’

One of the best bigs in the 2020 NBA draft, Onyeka Okongwu can see himself thriving next to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker.

USC big man Onyeka Okongwu has become of the the 2020 NBA draft’s most popular big man ahead of the November 18th event, and a frequent target of many a mock draft trying to envision which prospects the Boston Celtics might trade up for.

Riding the wave of popularity enjoyed by mobile, versatile defensive big men sparked by Bam Adebayo with the Miami Heat’s unexpected postseason success, the Adebayo comparison is probably unfair.

And that’s not a dig at Okongwu, as they are different enough players in terms of skill sets, Adebayo possessing better guard-like skills he’s also had three seasons in the NBA to hone.

Okongwu may not have the same offensive range of skills yet, but he’s also a highly-mobile, defensive-minded big with solid handles and a developing passing game.

Like many in this year’s draft, the former Trojan declined to share with which team’s he’s been in contact, but when asked by the Celtics Wire about his fit with Boston if they did deal up to select him, Okongwu was optimistic.

“A player like me, I feel like I can fit anywhere,” he began.

“No matter what team or organization in the NBA due to my defensive versatility and my offensive upside and potential. Playing with Boston, your players like Kemba Walker, [Jaylen] Brown and [Jayson] Tatum. I definitely feel like if I were to be drafted by Boston, I’d definitely fit in to that young core they have.”

Okongwu is one of a small handful of players who would likely be able to help the Celtics in their coming season as well as having the sort of upside worth it to push the proverbial chips in to draft.

But, that’s a big part of the reason he’s so highly regarded — so Boston will need to be aggressive in their pursuit if the plan is indeed to roster the USC product.

Less than a week away from the big night, it’s also eminently possible dominoes sparked by other concerns push the Celtics out of the running for Okongwu.

Or out of the draft entirely.

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