As the NBA Draft creeps closer, a potential sleeper pick in Mfiondu Kabengele should be on the Portland Trail Blazers’ radar.

Still reeling from the largely successful playoff run and Western Conference Finals appearance, the Portland Trail Blazers must switch gears and focus on how to retool the roster for next year. Perhaps the nephew of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo could provide that extra spark for this Blazers team. Let’s examine Mfiondu Kabengele’s draft stock and potential as a prospect.

Mfiondu Kabengele Physical Profile

Position: Power Forward/Center

Power Forward/Center Age: 21

21 Height: 6’10”

6’10” Weight: 256 lbs

256 lbs Wingspan: 7’3″

2018-19 Season Statistics

MPG: 21.6

21.6 PTS: 13.2

13.2 REB: 5.9

5.9 AST: 0.3

0.3 BLK: 1.5

1.5 FG%: 50.2%

50.2% 3P%: 36.9%

36.9% FT%: 76.1%

Season Synopsis

In his second season at Florida State, Kabengele flew under the radar and out of the national spotlight. In fact, many Florida State fans themselves may have not been familiar with the promising big man. In the 71 games Kabengele played for FSU, all were off the bench. With limited play time and a weaker supporting cast off the bench, Kabengele missed plenty of opportunities to impress NBA scouts.

The coaching staff’s rotation couldn’t keep this gem hidden forever though, as Kabengele exploded on the national scene with his electric performance in the NCAA tournament. Still coming off the bench, Kabengele made his presence felt and propelled Florida State to the Sweet 16. In his three games in the tournament, Kabengele averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots per game. His performance on the biggest stage ensured he’d be hearing his name on the night of the NBA Draft.

Draft Combine Results

Lane Agility: 11.21 (sixth fastest*)

11.21 (sixth fastest*) Shuttle Run: 3.30

3.30 Three Quarter Sprint: 3.25 (third fastest*)

3.25 (third fastest*) Standing Vertical Leap: 28.0

28.0 Max Vertical Leap: 35.5 (seventh highest*)

35.5 (seventh highest*) Max Bench Press Reps: 6

*among 22 power forwards and centers tested at the combine

Strengths

Living up to his heritage, Kabengele presents potential to become an elite rim protector in the NBA. With Jusuf Nurkic out due to injury, the Golden State Warriors were able to exploit Portland’s lack of interior defense in an embarrassing series sweep. Kabengele averaged 2.8 blocks per 40 minutes and could improve on that number if given a larger role.

While there’s always value in a rim protector that can run the pick-and-roll, these NBA playoffs proved that players like Clint Capela, Steven Adams and Rudy Gobert can be game-planned against and neutralized. This makes Kabengele’s 36.9 percent shooting from deep all the more promising. With an NBA-caliber shooting coach at his side, Kabengele could become a threat to knock down open shots from deep. Although he’ll never be a high volume shooter, forcing opposing defenses to respect his shooting and space the floor would be invaluable.

Weaknesses

A big hole in Kabengele’s game is his inability to pass the ball. A ratio of 0.3 assists to 1.3 turnovers is not exactly promising. In an era where ball distribution and finding open shots is the key to winning tightly contested, this is certainly a skill Kabengele will need to develop. Now that’s not to say he must become the next Nikola Jokic, but learning how to play cohesively in an NBA offense will be an important next step for Kabengele to take.

Although his 28.9 PER indicates Kabengele was dominant at the collegiate level, many rookies struggle when taking on the league’s elite big men who can bully opponents around in the post. Working on his awareness by taking smarter shots and committing less fouls will be key to Kabengele’s longevity in the league.

Fit With Roster

Many might be hesitant to take Kabengele considering Portland already has a deep rotation of big men and the acquisition of tenth overall pick Zach Collins in 2017. However, with Enes Kanter and Al-Farouq Aminu likely leaving via free agency, Nurkic recovering from injury and Meyers Leonard on the last year of his current contract, the Portland Trail Blazers could benefit greatly by making an investment in their frontcourt rotation.

Patching up their depth in the frontcourt allows the Blazers to shift their focus to re-signing Rodney Hood and finding an upgrade at the wing through free agency or trade. Kabengele also temporarily bridges the gap as rim protector as Nurkic recovers, who is likely not going to feel 100 percent healthy until 2021.

All eyes point towards June 20 as the NBA Draft lures hopeful teams into the promise of a better season. After taking a deeper look, it would not be a shock to see Kabengele walk on the NBA Draft stage with a Portland Trail Blazers cap on his head.