Keita Bates-Diop — Ohio State, SF, 6’8-1/2″
Say hello to the Big 10 Player of the Year, Keita Bates-Diop. As a senior with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Bates-Diop averaged 20 points and nine rebounds per game while shooting 36 percent from three.
At 6-foot-8½, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he has the size, length and athleticism to guard multiple positions, and could fit seamlessly into Utah’s rotation. Most rookies are detractors on the defensive side of the ball, but Bates-Diop could conceivably step right in and have a positive impact for an already dominant Jazz defense.
On top of his defensive versatility, Bates-Diop looks to have a solid offensive repertoire. He reminds me a lot of Otto Porter in Washington. He is likely never going to be the leading scorer on a team in the NBA, but he can be a solid third option. He can shoot, drive and post-up smaller players on switches. He plays within the offense, mostly off the ball, but can create his own shot in a pinch.
Bates-Diop was a senior with Ohio State, so he is already 22 years old. One of the benefits of drafting a player like him, is you are not likely waiting years on his development. You are getting a player who is already close to the finished product, and can step in and contribute right away.
I really can’t think of a player in the draft who checks more boxes for what the Jazz are needing next season.