Boston Celtics: 3 reasons to consider trading up to draft Onyeka Okongwu

2. Okongwu could be the next Bam Adebayo

Kyle Irving of Sporting News noted the lofty comparisons to Bam Adebayo Onyeka Okongwu has received in the draft process so far:

"One of the most common comparisons of the 2020 NBA Draft has been USC freshman centre Onyeka Okongwu to Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo. Before even talking about their play style, the measurables match up. Coming into the NBA after one season at Kentucky, 19-year-old Adebayo was 6-foot-10 and 243 lbs. with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. Coming into the NBA after one season at USC, 19-year-old Okongwu is listed at 6-foot-9 and 245 lbs. with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. It’s become such a popular parallel that Okongwu even addressed it in his draft scouting film session with ESPN’s draft expert Mike Schmitz. “I played Bam back in high school,” Okongwu said. “We have a similar body, similar athleticism. It’s an honour to be compared to him. He’s an NBA All-Star, and I think me and him bring some of the same things to the table.” And that they do."

If Okongwu could be the C’s version of Bam, Boston could spend their free-agent money on shoring up the backcourt or wing instead of funneling money into a free agent center like Aron Baynes or Harry Giles.

That would be the ideal scenario for the cash-strapped Celtics.