Miami Heat: 3 goals for KZ Okpala in the 2019-20 season

Become a more consistent shooter

Okpala was a career 67.4 percent shooter from the free throw line in college. Typically, this is an indicator of how well a player will shoot from anywhere in the pros, as it shows the form and release of a prospect’s shot. However, Okpala has a cleaner looking shot than his free throw percentage shows, and he did shoot 46.3 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent on three attempts per game from 3-point range last season.

Overall this goal comes down to becoming more effective from the charity stripe, but improved free throw shooting can have huge implications of furthering the improvement of his other jump shots.

Okpala’s 7’1.75” wingspan, 8’10.5” standing reach and 210 lb frame mean that he will get to the free throw line a lot, and he did so in college, finishing last season with an average of six free throw attempts per game. In a game of basketball, you never want to leave points on the line, especially when they are free shots, so developing what has been a weak area for the Heat in recent years should be of utmost priority.

On top of this, as aforementioned, it will greatly benefit the variety of game that Okpala brings to the table. If Okpala ever hopes to be a Paul George or Kawhi Leonard-type player, then he will need to have a mid-range and 3-point game. Since he compares so closely to George, it is imperative that he is able to knock it down from deep, as George is one of the best scorers in the league today.

None of this should be of any concern for the Heat, fans or Okpala though, as he seemingly has one of the best motors on the entire team this year, and the front office absolutely adores him. Also let’s not forget that he once outscored first-overall-pick Zion Williamson 41-22 in high school.