Know the draft prospect: Felix Okpara

Depending on how the board falls, Tennessee center Felix Okpara could be available when New York is on the clock late in the 2026 NBA Draft. Should the Knicks consider him with their 55th selection?

The Basics

School: Tennessee (transferred from Ohio State)

2025-26 Stats: 8.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 59.7% FG, 63.5% FT

Projected Draft Range: Late second round to undrafted

The Numbers

Okpara spent four seasons carving out a clear identity as a defensive center. He began his career at Ohio State, transferred to Tennessee for his junior season, and became one of the Volunteers’ most reliable interior defenders during their run to the Elite Eight, earning a place in last season’s SEC All-Defense team.

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His box-score production wasn’t pleasing to the spreadsheet, but his role explains everything about it. Okpara averaged 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as a senior while shooting 61.1% inside the arc. Across four college seasons, he averaged 6.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, always working as a rim protector, screener, lob threat and defensive backbone.

Skills That Pay the Bills

Rim Protection: Okpara’s best NBA skill is his ability to contest shots. He has the length, timing and verticality to bother drivers and force tough finishes around the basket.

Pick-and-Roll Defense: He is not purely a drop-coverage big. Okpara can hedge, step out, slide his feet and survive in space. His mobility gives coaches more coverage options than the standard deep-drop center.

Screening and Rolling: Okpara sets hard screens, uses his frame well and dives quickly to the rim. He finished 69 dunks as a senior, and his timing as a roller gives him value as a low-usage play finisher.

Physical Tools: At roughly 6’11” with a 7’2″ wingspan and a 9’4″ standing reach, Okpara has real NBA center measurements. He also has a strong frame, broad shoulders and enough vertical pop to play above the rim.

Concerns

Limited Offense: Okpara is not a scorer, shooter or creator. He has flashed some post touch, but his NBA offense will mostly come from lobs, putbacks, rim runs and dump-offs. Rings a Mitch-shaped bell?

Passing…

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Publish date : 2026-06-20 18:30:00

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