2016 NBA Draft Prospects: Breaking Down Future of Louisville's Chinanu Onuaku
Chinanu Onuaku flashed occasional glimpses of NBA potential his freshman year at Louisville. He then raised the bar with an impressive showing during the Under-19 FIBA World Championship in 2015.
Scouts saw his production spike as a sophomore, as he played a larger role for the Cardinals. On the other hand, he didn't appear to add anything new to his limited offensive repertoire. One of the more effective players during five-on-fives at this year's NBA combine, Onuaku still helped remind why he could be useful to an NBA front line.
Since then, he's decided to keep his name in the draft pool and work out for teams that are likely to consider him in June's second round.
Relevant Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% | FT% | DBPM | Usage |
| 9.9 | 8.5 | 1.6 | 2.0 | .620 | .589 | 10.2 | 20.5 |
Having averaged 9.9 points per game in his sophomore season, Onuaku does not project as a scorer or high-usage offensive player.
However, he does as an efficient finisher and active rebounder, which the numbers reflect. Onuaku shot 62 percent from the floor and grabbed 13.8 rebounds per 40 minutes. His 3.3 blocks per 40 minutes and 9.6 percent block rate were also both strong.
Even his 1.6 assists in 24.6 minutes were notably high, though an ugly 20.8 percent turnover rate highlights a low skill level and questionable basketball IQ.
Strengths
At 6'10", 245.2 pounds with a 7'2 ¾" wingspan, Onuaku has enough size to be a center in today's NBA. He's not an explosive athlete, but moves well and plays through contact.
Onuaku operates mostly around the basket and rarely scores off dribbles. Once in a while, we'll see a back-to-the-basket drop step or baseline spin. Still, he gets most buckets by cutting, rolling, diving or putting back misses, which accounted for 21.8 percent of his made field goals at the rim, per Hoop-Math.com.
With soft hands, Onuaku does a nice job catching, gathering and converting in traffic, both on the move and off two feet. He's coordinated and has shown he can put the ball in from awkward angles. He's also flashed promising passing instincts; Onuaku surprised with a number of savvy assists last season from different spots on the floor (post, elbows, outlets).
Toughness, length and energy should continue translating to solid rebounding numbers, regardless of whether he's playing in the NBA D-League, overseas or the NBA itself.
Onuaku can be a disruption defensively, particularly inside, where he's physical and a timely shot-blocker. When engaged or challenged in isolation around the perimeter, he's shown the foot speed to contain and contest.
Weaknesses
An average athlete, Onuaku lacks bounce and the offensive skills to compensate. He is not an option to feed in the post and, considering he shoots his free throws underhand, isn't a threat to make jumpers or stretch the floor.
Without the ability to create shots or score outside the paint, teams considering him must accept the fact he doesn't offer much in the half court.
Onuaku's turnover rate (3.4 per 40 minutes) is off the charts as well. Instead of playing within himself, he has the tendency to try too much. He also fouled out four times (4.8 fouls per 40 minutes) in 2015-16 and didn't always seem fully locked in. Onuaku has the potential to become a strong defender, but it won't happen naturally without improvement.
It's worth noting he had a minor heart procedure in May to address a rhythm issue, though it's not expected to be a red flag.
Pro Comparison
Tarik Black
Black has earned minutes with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers for his physical play in the paint—not his offense. Onuaku must follow the same blueprint.
These are bigs who'll be used to crash the glass, finish off plays at the rim, collect second-chance points and give a few fouls. It's tough to picture either developing into an offensive option, making them both long-term reserves. But there is room for interior specialists in the NBA.
Best-Case Scenario
Onuaku's ceiling is low, especially given the fact he doesn't score or shoot. In a best-case scenario, he develops into a cleanup man who's asked to do the dirty work inside.
Finishing, rebounding, interior defense—those will be his only responsibilities as a pro. If it works out, Onuaku will settle in as a role-playing center.
Worst-Case Scenario
Onuaku's floor falls below the NBA's ground level.
He'll start his career in the D-League, though he's no lock to make a roster. Thus, he'll need to establish himself as a defensive asset to stick in the NBA.
Prediction
Between his increase in production, performance at the combine and defined role, Onuaku should hear his name called somewhere in the second round.
Teams will know what they're getting (and what they're not) with him. The only question is whether it's enough. He'll need the right fit and opportunity to make a roster and eventual impact. Either way, he is nothing more than an eighth or ninth man off the bench.
All stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.
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