Auburn’s manager says the Knicks are doing their homework on Isaac Okoro

When you get to the point where New York picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, number 8, the hope is to find a solid player of rotation.

Maybe Isaac Okoro can be that Knicks guy. Auburn manager Bruce Pearl told SNY.TV’s Ian Begley that the Knicks have “been very curious” about the swingman.

“They talked to strength coaches, coaches, assistant coaches – they did their homework. And they liked Isaac from the jump,” he said.

“He’s quick enough to keep point guards out of the game – he can really move his feet. And if he has to move to a center, he can haunt him, “Pearl said.” It’s rare. Sometimes, Andre Iguodala reminded me of how he influenced the games. “

Defense is the 19-year-old’s strong point, who is selected between 5-10 in most fictional drafts.

Okoro is a 6’6 ″ winger who has drawn attention for his potential to be an elite defender. This season (before the coronavirus stopped) he improved on the offensive finish and scored 12.9 points per game while showing some versatility. However, what’s holding him back – he only hit 29 from three. It’s a bit of an offensive project.

What kind of player do you land with at number 8: Jaxson Hayes, Collin Sexton, Frank Ntilikina, Marquese Chriss, and Stanley Johnson are your last five picks at eight. In previous years, solid rotation players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Terrence Ross have been drafted in eighth place.

Looking for a role player in a down draft where everyone is imperfect, Isaac Okoro could be a good choice for the Knicks if he is still on the board at number 8, someone who can transform into a quality role player and defender of all ‘elite. This has genuine value.