Miami Heat: KZ Okpala Proving Valuable As Multiple Defensive Tool
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat: KZ Okpala Proving Valuable As Multiple Defensive Tool
At 6’8”, KZ has the length of a prototypical NBA forward, which is accompanied by a 7’2” wingspan. Recently, those attributes have allowed him to thrive in his most critical role yet.
It’s a clear strong suit if a player shows that he can be adaptable to defending anyone and anywhere on the court in this era. Let’s expand more into how he’s done it.
KZ OKPALA’S GOD-GIVEN PHYSICALS HAVE REPLENISHED THE HEAT’S FRONTLINE DEFENSE
In the visual evidence portion of the show, via NBA.com, this first segment begins with Joel Embiid fighting to seal off Dewayne Dedmon in the post and as Philadelphia swings multiple passes along the perimeter.
Dedmon continues to deny Embiid, leaving the 76ers’ star center to relocate for Seth Curry to successfully throw an entry pass.
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Embiid finally shakes free from Dedmon and quickly rushes a layup attempt. Okpala then rotates over to spike Embiid’s shot off the side of the backboard.
Currently and for the latter half of the previous decade, the 76ers offense has revolved around Embiid’s dominant post proficiency. However, with the Sixers often having limited floor spacing around him, it’s resulted in a ton of conflict in their halfcourt offense and most especially in the postseason.
One of the very few solutions to deal with Joel Embiid is to send a double team his way on the catch. The more long and athletic those defenders are, the better.
In fact and for any variation of a zone defense, it’s seemed that Miami can reach new levels when they have a capable athlete on the floor. In recent weeks, Caleb Martin has epitomized that to a degree but naturally, there isn’t a player more capable of altering shot attempts while guarding the perimeter than Okpala.
That’s because his sheer length and quickness are factors.