3 potential career outcomes for Onyeka Okongwu if he’s drafted by Cavs

USC big man Onyeka Okongwu (#21) celebrates a near-win. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
USC big man Onyeka Okongwu (#21) celebrates a near-win. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Onyeka Okongwu, Cleveland Cavaliers
USC big Onyeka Okongwu acknowledges the crowd after a win. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Cavs Okongwu potential career outcome #2: All-Star rim runner

Even if Okongwu does not end up demonstrating great passing skills, I believe he has the potential to be an NBA All-Star.

With his athleticism, Okongwu is going to be hard to stop as a rim runner and a lob threat. Okongwu’s pick-and-roll potential is definitely something that piques my interest, but I am just as intrigued with what he can do in a fast-paced offense, at least opportunistically, running the floor.

Pairing Onyeka with other speedy players like Collin Sexton could form a tough threat to stop for opposing defenses.

This would also help by improving the Cavaliers defense as well. Okongwu was a good defender in college, and the Cavs could absolutely use his 2.7 blocks per game-type defensive feel/rim protection. Being able to run the floor and protect the rim is something that the Cavaliers have been lacking in recent years.

If Okongwu ended up being a very good complimentary player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, then it would be a home run 2020 NBA Draft pick by general manager Koby Altman and company.

The Cavaliers still have plenty of holes all across their roster. If Okongwu could be a really good rim runner, he would be able to fill multiple needs for the Cavaliers.

If Okongwu was able to play in a fast-paced offense, which is something we could see Cleveland utilize in the near future, and assume the role of rim runner, I believe he would have the potential to be an All-Star level player for the Cavaliers.