Minnesota Timberwolves Draft: Onyeka Okongwu or Devin Vassell?
By Tyler Walton
Minnesota Timberwolves Draft: Onyeka Okongwu or Devin Vassell?
Defensive Impact
Other than Isaac Okoro, Okongwu and Vassell might be the two best defensive prospects in the lottery.
From a statistical perspective, Onyeka Okongwu was a monster, averaging 2.7 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
He’s proven to be a terrific pick-and-roll defender, a smart help defender, a rim protector, and a good post defender. He’s quick enough to switch on to guards with ease and strong enough to be a defensive enforcer.
Karl-Anthony Towns is a pure center, and Okongwu could absolutely guard power forwards whereas Towns might not be able to. Still, does this limit Okongwu’s defensive impact?
In reality, there might not be many better players to put next to Towns on defense. Okongwu wouldn’t be able to really play as that prototypical defensive center archetype, but there are certainly NBA players who can lead a defense from the 4-spot as well. Draymond Green comes to mind.
If Okongwu isn’t the guy to start re-building the Wolves’ defense, it might be Devin Vassell.
Vassell was the leader of a Florida State defense that finished 12th in the nation in steals. Individually, he averaged 1.4 steals and was an elite help defender.
There are some concerns about Vassell’s frame, as he’s only 195 pounds at 6-foot-7. For comparison’s sake, Jarrett Culver had similar measurements and has been just fine as a defensive rookie.
Vassell’s long arms and defensive awareness are what set him apart as a defensive prospect. He could be elite, and if not, he should be at least above average.
Though Vassell has upside, Okongwu wins out in terms of defensive impact. He probably has both a higher floor and a higher ceiling on that end.
Advantage: Okongwu
What about overall fit?