Felix Okpara takes patient approach to NBA move with Wizards

Felix Okpara is taking a measured approach to his move into the NBA, with adapting to the pace and physical demands of professional basketball his immediate priority. The Nigerian centre is preparing for his first season with the Washington Wizards after entering the league through the 2026 NBA Draft.

Okpara was chosen with the 46th pick in the second round before his draft rights were acquired by Washington. The 6-foot-11 big man is focused on understanding the Wizards’ system, developing chemistry with his teammates and learning from the more experienced players in the squad.

The 2026/27 campaign will be another major stage in Okpara’s development. He spent the 2025/26 season at the University of Tennessee after previously playing for Ohio State, and built a reputation as one of the leading defensive big men in college basketball.

Defensive work is expected to remain central to his role. Okpara’s rim protection and overall defensive impact earned him a place on the SEC All-Defensive Team during his final college season, qualities that helped him secure his opportunity in the NBA.

The Wizards have placed him in their 2026 Summer League programme, giving him an early chance to operate in a professional environment and face other young players pursuing NBA careers. That experience will form part of his adjustment to the speed, strength and structure of the league.

Okpara was born in Lagos and retains a strong connection to Nigeria. He moved to the United States as a teenager and first played football before switching to basketball. His current focus is on making steady progress, improving physically and carrying the defensive strengths developed in college into his new career.