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Top NBA prospect Onyeka Okongwu has injured foot, could miss start of regular season?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/18/20

Top NBA prospect Onyeka Okongwu may end up slipping in Wednesday's draft due to injury. The 19-year-old has been universally projected to be selected within the top 10, but his current injury status may cause teams to pass on him.

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, Okongwu is dealing with a foot injury that could cause him to miss training camp and the start of the regular season, which is slated to begin on Dec. 22.

Two NBA sources: Onyeka Okongwu has a foot injury that could cost him training camp and maybe some of the regular season. Could impact where he's chosen in tonight's NBA draft (but not a lot).
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) November 18, 2020

It was reported last week that Okongwu had moved into the top five of the draft, but now that status is unknown. Top teams in the draft may be gun shy about taking a risk and instead look for someone who can step in and have an immediate impact in their lineup.

Still, the 6-foot-9 center is an enticing prospect. Some believe he could profile as the next Bam Adebayo despite not exactly being a superstar during his freshman year at USC.

The Boston Celtics are one team that has been heavily linked to Okongwu in recent weeks. They could attempt to package their three first-round picks to move up in the draft and grab him.

Okongwu is keen on the idea of joining the Celtics, too, saying that he believes he'd fit well with Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Projecting where players may end up is very difficult, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens with Okongwu, who, at this point, could end up with a number of teams.

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