Skip to content

Rockets draft Chinanu Onuaku with No. 37 pick

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Houston Rockets selected Louisville power forward Chinanu Onuaku with the 37th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old Onuaku established himself with a strong sophomore campaign where he dominated the paint on both ends of the floor. He shot 62 percent from the field, grabbed 8.5 rebounds, and blocked two shots in 24.6 minutes per game.

Onuaku's upside comes on defense, where his 9-foot standing reach and 7-foot-3 wingspan affords him an excellent frame to grow into a mobile rim protector at the next level. He's also shown decent ability to play in pick-and-roll scenarios.

The weakness, however, comes with Onuaku's decision making. He posted a sky-high turnover percentage of 27 and he struggled to make passes on the move. He also needs to improve on his shooting - especially from the free-throw line where he hit 59 percent last season.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox