Former Tennessee forward Felix Okpara was able to showcase why he was a draft prospect the Washington Wizards coveted
As Tuesday marked the start of the Washington Wizards being limited in Summer League after seeing more than enough from AJ Dybantsa, Will Riley and Tre Johnson, both the roster and floor matchups set up a chance for second round selection Felix Okpara to prove himself as a rookie.
With former North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson on the other end, Okpara flashed more defensively and on the boards at times with a chance for his length to live up to his billing as a rim protector against NBA big men after totaling four rebounds and one block in over 21 minutes. Some of those efforts on the glass contributed to Okpara's scoring after being able to capitalize on second-chance scoring opportunities, helping him finish with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field.
While the flashes show what the Tennessee forward can offer in the Wizards' frontcourt, Wizards' Summer League head coach T.J. Sorrentine noted Okpara is "not that far off" offensively from being able to contribute.
"He's got good hand placement on the ball. A lot of reps. This is all we do up here," Sorentine added.
Okpara arrived in Washington having notched double figures scoring in ten games including a pair of 20-point performances, yet it was his defensive pedigree that loomed large as a draft prospect. While he has yet to show it in Summer League, Okpara also did so while shooting over 36% from three and nearly 60% from the field to offer potential as a two-way forward in the NBA. Yet those efforts on the defensive end was an aspect Okpara knew he would be able to add right away with Tuesday marking a chance to live up to that expectation.
"I think just my ability to be a defensive presence, just be able to control the paint, be able to come outside and guard all the guys and just being a good screener, just initiating offense and just playing," he added.
Okpara will now look to build on that experience with the Wizards back in action on Wednesday night with tipoff against Keaton Wagler and the Los Angeles Clippers set for 10:30 PM ET on ESPN, but as he works on conditioning after Sorrentine noted Okpara was tired on Tuesday, the chance for the Wizards' second-round acquisition to be a rim protector against one of the top guard prospects will be the next test.
"I think the biggest thing is his defense, his presence down there, that's going to be huge for us," Sorrentine said of Okpara. "He's got great timing, blocking shots and his effort level is always on high. You saw I think he got a little tired there as well but it's not from a lack of effort. He plays as hard as he can in his minutes and I think his offensive game will evolve."
While a win on Tuesday could have pushed them into the Summer League playoffs, Washington will also suit up in a fifth game with both date and opponent to be determined.
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