2018 NBA Draft: 5 best projected second-round picks
By Chris Murch
Keita Bates-Diop
Position: SF, PF
Height: 6-foot-7
College: Ohio State
College Stats: 19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 48% FG
Keita Bates-Diop is a very intriguing prospect. A 6-fot-7 forward who’s long and athletic, but has a jump shot that some would deem as being inconsistent. He can put the ball on the floor and create for himself and also has a knack for getting in the lane and finishing.
If he can improve his jump shot I could see him being a Serge Ibaka type in the league. He also needs to add strength. Too undersized to play the 4 and maybe not enough lateral quickness or a consistent enough shot to play the 3, he’s the ultimate tweener. That being said, he has shown enough in his three years in school as a scorer, effective rebounder and all around leader at Ohio State to warrant a spot on an NBA team.
If he adapts to the league, he could be effective. He could either be Wesley Johnson or Ibaka, only time will tell.