NBA Draft: What do the scouting reports say about Keita Bates-Diop?
By Ben Beecken
After the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Josh Okogie at No. 20 in the NBA Draft, they grabbed Ohio State’s Keita Bates-Diop at No. 48. Here are a few of the scouting reports we found.
Ohio State forward Keita Bates-Diop was one of the players that the MInnesota Timberwolves were reportedly interested in selecting with the 20th pick in this year’s draft. Instead, they managed to wait until the second round and grabbed the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year at No. 48.
We passed along our rapid thoughts on both picks in real-time, so be sure to check out the write-ups in their entirety. First, let’s take a look at those thoughts.
Here’s what we said after the selection, along with a key excerpt.
"For starters, the physical profile is almost exactly a bigger version of Draymond Green. Bates-Diop is slightly taller and heavier, with a superior wingspan. But even with a slightly larger build, his agility numbers are comparable to what Green’s clocked in at back in 2012.…In short, the physical profile and agility testing at the combine is eerily similar. Both played four years in the Big Ten and were named the Player of the Year as seniors. And both slid into the second round of their respective draft."
Many of the rate and percentage-based numbers are similar when it comes to Bates-Diop and Michigan State’s Draymond Green. The agility testing was similar, too, as is the physical profile. Keep that in mind as we review some of the other scouting reports.
The Ringer did a fantastic job writing up each prospect. The full scouting report can be found here, and here’s a few of the key strengths and weaknesses.
"PLUSESSolid shooter with a high release point and NBA range, though he lacks dynamism taking jumpers off the dribble.Good touch around the rim on floaters, runners, and layups with either hand.Knows how to cut, screen, and complete simple passes.Defends guards on the perimeter as competently as he does big men in the pick-and-roll.Has the length to protect the rim, block shots from the weak side, and jump passing lanes.MINUSESLacks the toughness to regularly play the 4 or 5, and the speed to play the 2 or 3. Does he have an ideal position?Displays questionable toughness when battling in the post or boxing out for rebounds.Lacks the quick first step, agility, or ball-handling skills necessary to be a shot creator.His motor stalls too often; can a team get consistent production out of him?"
For as much as we’ve heard about Okogie’s toughness and motor, it seems as though the opposite is true of Bates-Diop. But he’s the versatile, do-everything type of player that today’s NBA needs, and if he can play hard in limited minutes, he’ll be a valuable bench piece for the Wolves.
Jeremy Woo at Sports Illustrated notes his length and rebounding ability as positives, with motor and explosion/athleticism concerns as primary concerns.
Land-Grant Holy Land repeats a DraftExpress quote about Bates-Diop’s defensive ability:
"When Bates-Diop is fully engaged, he shows the ability to be a real stopper defensively, and has the quickness, perimeter mobility, and length to defend multiple positions, something which you can’t have enough of in today’s NBA."
They also acknowledge what was either fatigue or motor issues when it came to his play late in the season.
"In the final handful of games last season, Bates-Diop looked tired. That could’ve been for a number of different reasons—ranging from the condensed conference schedule, to having to be on the court for over 30 minutes for most of the games. However, there’s no denying that late-season KBD looked a lot different from the KBD that put on a clinic against Michigan State.On top of the tiredness, there was also an inconsistency to Bates-Diop’s ability to score. At its worst, KBD was held to just six points against…Rutgers."
The 94 Feet Report has an excellent and extensive write-up from back in March about Bates-Diop’s draft prospects, specifically calling out his solid performance against other NBA draft-worthy talent in head-to-head situations.
They also discuss what NBA roster on which he might fit best while giving an nod to his positional versatility, and especially on the defensive end of the floor. Be sure to check this one out.
Next: Josh Okogie is eerily similar to Jimmy Butler
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the rotation fit for both of the newest Timberwolves players ahead of next month’s free agency period.