Trajan Langdon had his eyes on Ebuka Okorie and traded up four spots to draft his guy. After Memphis moved back one pick to #17 after receiving two second rounders from Oklahoma City, they swapped with Detroit at #21 for an additional three more seconds.
Okorie is a 6’2″ and 185 lbs point guard from Stanford who just turned 19 in April. He averaged 23.2 PTS, 3.6 REB, and 3.6 AST in 35 minutes per game. Ebuka shot 47% from the field and 35% from three while committing less than two turnovers per game. Majority of his shots came at the rim due to his quickness and speed to get past his defenders.
For a comparison, think about how Tyrese Maxey or Kyrie Irving generate rim pressure – defenders struggle to stay in front of Okorie all the same. He should offer additional ball-handling and playmaking either next to Cade Cunningham or in his absence of the bench. Jalen Duren pick-and-rolls with Okorie should open plenty of offensive opportunities. He is a small guard, but his 6’8″ wingspan will been a needed tool on the defensive end.
Get a glimpse at Ebuka’s game with No Ceilings’ highlight reel:
We’ll have more on the newest Piston soon.
Go Stones.
