In a three-team deal and a long-term play, Washington deals two picks to move up for Felix Okpara.
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After the first round of the NBA draft Tuesday night, Washington Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins recuperated.
The night before, he was awake at 3 a.m., poring through years of notes, desperate for assurance that selecting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick was, in fact, the right choice. But once NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took the stage, announcing Washington’s decision, Dawkins described the evening as “refreshing.”
“It was more calming,” he said. “A fun experience.”
But the draft itself was far from over, and in a lightly eventful second round Wednesday night, the Wizards ended up with Tennessee forward Felix Okpara.
The evening commenced with the Wizards holding two picks: No. 51 and No. 60. It took mere minutes for Dawkins to get up to the trading activity that’s defined recent Washington drafts. In a reported three-team deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic, the Wizards received the No. 46 pick while sending away their other two. No other assets were reported in the deal.
After two seasons at Ohio State, Okpara transferred down south and blossomed in the Volunteers’ system. He provides a notable rim presence, averaging over six rebounds in each of the last three seasons.
What makes him a bit of a gamble is, essentially, the rest of his skill set. The 6-foot-10 big man doesn’t spread the court, as he attempted only 27 three-pointers in four college years,
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Many second-round picks end up in the G League, but in the modern NBA, any selection can make an impact. The last three Finals winners featured deeper-than-usual benches with an average draft slot no higher than 37.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, specifically, has been defined by its draft philosophy: Every pick counts. In turn, the 2025 championship squad proved the extent to which a team can win via talent evaluation.
Dawkins is from the Oklahoma City management tree and has made clear he still holds the beliefs from his Thunder days.
“We’re looking for guys who can continue to make decisions with the ball, without the ball,” he said. “But also be dual impact players on both ends.”
The Wizards’ front office likely chose Okpara because of his upside and physical tools. His athleticism is among the best in the draft, and if developed well, he could find a rotational role.
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For now, though, he projects as a long-term selection.
