2. Semi Ojeleye, SMU
Position: Forward
Age: 22
Height/weight: 6’7”, 235
Wingspan: 6’10’’
Season averages: 18.9 PPG, 6.8 REB, 1.5 AST
Shooting splits: 53.1-42.4-78.5
Assessment:
Often compared to Jae Crowder and Jonathon Simmons, players like Ojeleye are valuable role players in today’s game. He has the size and length to guard in the post and the quickness to defend the perimeter. He also has a smooth shooting stroke, and converted 42.4 percent of 172 3-point attempts last season. He put up big stats at SMU after transferring after two years at Duke, but he won’t have the same usage in the NBA. If he can round out his game to take advantage of his more limited opportunities, and remain engaged defensively, Ojeleye will be a valuable commodity to a winning team.
Fit with Heat:
Ojeleye may be the most physically gifted wing available by the time they are picking at No. 14. Even if Justin Jackson and Terrance Ferguson are still on the board, none of them have the combination of quickness and strength Ojeleye has. He’d slot in behind Justise Winslow or (if re-signed) James Johnson. He’d have to fight for minutes with Winslow, Rodney McGruder and Okaro White, but that’s a good problem to have.