29 CHINANU ONUAKUC, Louisville
It’s a testament to how well-equipped Onuaku seems to be for the NBA, that his draft stock has remained largely unaffected by a heart condition that was discovered at the Combine and since rectified with a minor procedure.
Onuaku is an outstanding defender who will put a body on strong big men, protect the rim and also surprise perimeter defenders with the quickness that allows him to switch with ease and close out to and beyond the three-point line.
Offensively, Onuaku may be relatively limited, something which is unsurprising for those familiar with his underhand free throw routine, but he brings high energy and intensity in his time on the floor which coupled with his finishing inside will make him a good rim runner in the NBA.
San Antonio possess plenty of versatility among their big men, but with Boban Marjanovic set to enter free agency this summer, physicality and size could quickly become a glaring need.
Popovich will value Onuaku’s high IQ and effort on defense, while his underrated passing ability and low-key offensive presence will ensure that he can be a positive influence, if not a busy one on both ends. The Louisville big represents excellent value at 29.
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