The 2020 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Daniel Oturu 2020 NBA Draft Profile.

Background

Position: Center

Size: 6-foot-10, 240 pounds

School: Minnesota

Class: Sophomore

Oturu was a four-star recruit who took a huge step forward from his freshman to his sophomore season at Minnesota. As a sophomore, he developed into one of the best players in the Big Ten and a solid draft prospect.

In his freshman season, Oturu averaged 10.8 points, 7.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. The team had a 21-13 record and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In 2019-2020, Oturu dominated with 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. One of his best performances came against Penn State when he scored 32 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and had three blocks. The Golden Gophers finished the season at 15-16, despite Oturu’s good play.

After two seasons in Minnesota, Oturu decided to enter his name in the 2020 NBA Draft. He is currently expected to be taken in the mid to late first round.

Strengths

Oturu is one of the best rim protectors in the class. He times his jumps to be able to block shots and is very aware when he can come off of his man and block shots from the weakside. Oturu averaged 2.5 blocks per game and showed the ability to do it consistently every game. At the next level, Oturu can get on the floor early due to his rim protection.

His rebounding will also be among the best in the class. As a sophomore, Oturu averaged 11.5 rebounds per game. He boxes out well, but also has the necessary skill to go up and get the ball. Another reason he is such a good rebounder is his ability to have good anticipation. He routinely has a feel for how the ball will bounce off the rim and then goes and gets it.

Oturu isn’t the best shooter, but he can shoot well enough to keep defenders honest. He shot 36.5 percent from three-point range last season for Minnesota. Additionally, he shot over 70 percent from the free-throw line. With more work on his game, he can improve both areas of his game. If he can boost his free-throw percentage, teams will be afraid to foul him. Improving his three-point percentage will help stretch out defenses.

Weaknesses

He sometimes has trouble finding the open man on offense. When the ball is thrown to him a lot of times the possession will end in a shot. To make his offensive game even better, he needs to learn how to pass and set up his teammates. When he is double-teamed, he can exploit a defense if he can pass at a decent rate.

His ability to guard will come into question a lot in the draft process. He lacks the foot speed to guard on the perimeter and a lot of bigs could get the best of him as well. If he can’t stay in front of his own man, his shot-blocking ability may not be enough to keep him on the floor. He’ll have to learn how to use his length better on defense if he can’t stop his man from getting to the basket.

Oturu is not a great athlete, although he does have solid body control. The lack of athleticism could put him into positional limbo, as he isn’t the biggest player, but not the most athletic either. He relied on his instincts and size in college, but in the NBA it may not work against players who are bigger and more athletic.

Projected Draft Range: Mid to Late First Round Pick

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