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surveEach week we release the Freshman Tracker, and each week there are new names and plenty of movement.
Last week we went through the weaknesses of each player in the top 10. This week we give you an NBA comparison for each guy.
Check back each week as we’ll have updates on how they did on the floor and give you the rundown on the top first-year players in the country, in a season in which the young guys have taken center stage.
1. Jabari Parker, F, Duke Blue Devils
6-foot-8, 235 pounds
The Blue Devils had the week off.
Comparison: Glenn Robinson. “He’s a less athletic version of the Big Dog. Can score in so many different ways.” — NBA executive
This week: Monday vs. Gardner Webb; Thursday vs. UCLA at Madison Square Garden Stats:22.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 47 percent 3-point shooting | Previous rank: 1
2. Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky Wildcats
6-9, 250 pounds
Randle had another double-double in the Wildcats’ win against Boise with 17 points and 11 boards, but struggled in their loss against North Carolina, finishing with just 11 points and five rebounds.
Comparison: Zach Randolph. “Julius has some small forward skills and is more athletic. They are both strong and tough, and both lefties. Both are aggressive scoring the ball.” — NBA executive
This week: Saturday vs. Belmont
Stats: 17.2 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 2.3 APG | Previous rank: 2
3. Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona Wildcats
6-9, 225 pounds
Gordon’s numbers aren’t quite indicative of his play this season. He had 11 points and four boards in a win over New Mexico State and was terrific on both ends in Arizona’s win at Michigan. He finished with 14 points and five rebounds, but also locked downGlenn Robinson III defensively in the second half.
Comparison: Kenneth Faried. “I’m not sure this is who Gordon wants to be, but this is who he needs to be. He’s a tremendous athlete who brings toughness and energy — and could be a terrific rebounder at our level.” — NBA executive
This week: Thursday vs. Southern University
Stats: 12.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG | Previous rank: 3
4. Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas Jayhawks
6-8, 200 pounds
Wiggins was tremendous in the Jayhawks’ loss in Gainesville, going for a career-high 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. However, he was a nonfactor in their victory over New Mexico, finishing with 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting.
Comparison: Rudy Gay. “He’s a long, athletic wing who is a decent shooter, but doesn’t have that killer instinct. Rudy’s never been a star, and I could see that being the case with this kid as well.” — NBA executive
This week: Saturday vs. Georgetown
Stats: 15.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG | Previous rank: 4
5. Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse Orange
6-2, 180 pounds
The Canadian point guard and the Orange had the week off.
Comparison: Andre Miller. “He’s not quite as big, but he’s got an old-school game, knows how to run a team and picks his spots when he scores.” — NBA executive
This week: Sunday at St. John’s; Friday vs. High Point
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.2 RPG | Previous rank: 6
6. Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU Tigers
6-8, 220 pounds
He played only once this past week, but Mickey had a big game with 25 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in a rout over Louisiana-Monroe.
Comparison: Patrick Patterson. “He’s big and strong, and is a decent athlete. Mickey could be a solid role guy in the NBA because he’s got size, strength and is fairly versatile.” — NBA executive
This week: Wednesday at Texas Tech; Saturday vs. UAB
Stats: 14.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.8 BPG | Previous rank: 9
7. Joel Embiid, C, Kansas Jayhawks
7-0, 250 pounds
The Cameroon native struggled in the Jayhawks’ loss to Florida, finishing with six points and six rebounds. But he bounced back with 18 points, six boards and four blocks in a win against New Mexico.
Comparison: Andrew Bynum. “Bynum was raw early on when he came out of high school and was a work in progress defensively, but they both keep the ball high on the catch, are able to get space and get nice extension on their jump hook. Both showed patience on the block.” — NBA executive
This week: Saturday vs. Georgetown
Stats: 9.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 BPG | Previous rank: 7
8. Eric Mika, C, BYU Cougars
6-10, 230 pounds
The Cougars big man had 15 points and six rebounds in a win over Prairie View and went for a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) in a loss at Utah.
Comparison: Kris Humphries. “He has similar size and athleticism. Neither is much of a shooter at that age.” — NBA executive
This week: Saturday at Oregon
Stats: 14.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG | Previous rank: 8
9. Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana Hoosiers
6-10, 240 pounds
Vonleh was average in two games this week, scoring eight points in both a win against Oakland and a loss to Notre Dame in Indianapolis, and averaging eight boards in the two contests.
Comparison: Tristan Thompson. “Neither is much of a scorer, although Vonleh is better on the offensive end. Both are long, wiry strong and their strength is rebounding the ball.” — NBA executive
This week: Friday vs. Nicholls State
Stats: 12.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG | Previous rank: 6
10. Nigel Williams-Goss, PG, Washington Huskies
6-3, 185 pounds
He’s back in the top 10 after averaging 13.5 points and five assists in a pair of games this past week.
Comparison: Matthew Dellavedova. “He’s an average athlete who knows how to play. Delly was a better shooter, but both of these guys use angles, know how to play in the pick-and-roll — and will have trouble guarding at the next level.” — NBA executive
This week: Tuesday vs. Tulane
Stats: 13 PPG, 5 APG, 3.9 RPG | Previous rank: NR0
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What if they won the draft lottery?Who would each team pick if the pingpong balls bounced in its favor?
Updated: December 9, 2013, 12:40 PM ETBy Chad Ford | ESPN Insider
Kent Smith/NBAE/Getty ImagesTrading Rudy Gay to Sacramento has vaulted Toronto higher in the race for the No. 1 overall pick.For the past month, our primary focus in Tank Rank has been on the race, on the court, for the No. 1 pick.
But what would each team do if it actually won the 2014 NBA draft lottery? It’s ridiculously early to ask that question — most teams have five to six players they are seriously considering with the No. 1 pick. But if they had to decide today … ?
Here’s our weekly look at where the 10 worst teams in the NBA stand in their quest for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
1. Milwaukee Bucks | Status: Trying | Record: 4-16 (past week: 1-3)
The Bucks have plenty of athletes in the frontcourt, but they really lack a go-to scorer who can demand a double-team in the post. While John Henson is playing well for them, he’s not an ideal partner on the front line next to Larry Sanders. Kentucky’s Julius Randle seems like the most obvious fit for the Bucks. Pair him with Sanders on one side and rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo on the other, and the Bucks will be well on their way to a full, exciting rebuild.
(Last week: 1
)2. Utah Jazz | Status: Tanking | Record: 4-18 (past week: 1-3)
The Jazz’s biggest hole is at small forward. The two guys who get the most time there, Marvin Williams and Richard Jefferson, are both free agents this summer. But even if that wasn’t the biggest need, it’s hard to think of any other team in the league that would be a better fit for Duke’s Jabari Parker. Parker’s versatile, aggressive game would be a godsend to the Jazz. And with Parker the best Mormon basketball player since Danny Ainge, there’s a good chance the Jazz could keep him long term.
(Last week: 2
)3. Philadelphia 76ers | Status: Tanking | Record: 7-14 (past week: 1-2)
The Sixers are obviously happy with Michael Carter-Williams at the point. And when Nerlens Noel gets healthy, he has a chance to be a defensive anchor in the middle. So a wing or a low-post scorer would make the most sense. The early intel is that the 76ers are enamored with Kansas’ Andrew Wiggins. If Wiggins had a decent point guard to set him up — point guard play has been a weakness for the Jayhawks this season — he’s got a chance to have a Paul George-type leap from college to the NBA.
(Last week: 4
)4. Toronto Raptors | Status: Tanking | Record: 7-12 (past week: 1-2)
The Raptors threw their hats into the tanking ring on Sunday when they shippedRudy Gay to the Kings. You could see this one coming for a while. The Raptors desperately wanted to rid themselves of Gay’s contract. If there is a team that Andrew Wiggins is a lock for, it’s the Raptors. The NBA’s only Canadian team is hungry to land one of its own and Wiggins would be the ultimate prize. He isn’t a fit the way the current roster is constructed, but general manager Masai Ujiri would make quick work of that.
(Last week: 8
)5. Orlando Magic | Status: Tanking | Record: 6-14 (past week: 0-4)
The Magic were bummed when Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart decided to return for his sophomore season. If they get the No. 1 pick, would they take Smart?
I’m inclined to say yes, though sources in Orlando say they are bullish thatVictor Oladipo could be a point guard in the NBA, and his success could free them to take a player with more upside, such as Andrew Wiggins.
(Last week: 6
)6. Cleveland Cavaliers | Status: Trying | Record: 7-13 (past week: 2-1)
If GM Chris Grant has a job going in to next summer — and given owner Dan Gilbert’s desire to make the playoffs this season, Grant may not — then you can expect the unexpected. Grant has made several unorthodox picks, and from what I gather, Cleveland might do it again.
The Cavs are one of the teams beating the Joel Embiid drum. The Cameroon big man has drawn comparisons to Hakeem Olajuwon, and the Cavs believe that ultimately, Andrew Bynum won’t be their long-term answer in the middle.
(Last week: 3
)7. Sacramento Kings | Status: Rebuilding | Record: 5-13 (past week: 1-2)
The Kings made a major move Sunday, trading away a number of spare parts for Rudy Gay. It was their second big trade in as many weeks and signaled that they’re attempting to rebuild now. Gay is clearly an upgrade, but is he good enough to put them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West?
I don’t think so. I see Sacramento as a legitimate landing spot for Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart. His toughness and ability to lead could immediately turn the fortunes in Sacramento. Dante Exum is another real possibility.
(Last week: 5
)8. Charlotte Bobcats | Status: Trying | Record: 9-11 (past week: 1-1)
The Bobcats have made a mess of the draft in recent years. Could they bumble this one, too? I don’t think so. I’m hearing Michael Jordan is an Andrew Wiggins guy, though there’s a soft spot in the organization for Australia’s Dante Exum.
(Last week: 9
)9. Boston Celtics | Status: Tank-building | Record: 10-12 (past week: 3-0)
Ainge has been this draft class’ biggest skeptic. And if the Celtics keep winning like this, they won’t be on this list much longer. But if somehow they manage to end up with the No. 1 pick, I hear Ainge would have a hard time passing on Jabari Parker here.
(Last week: 7
)10. Chicago Bulls | Status: Trying? | Record: 8-10 (past week: 1-2)
With Luol Deng heading into free agency this summer and Carlos Boozer a possible amnesty candidate, the Bulls’ biggest needs will be at the 3 and the 4. Parker would be a worthy replacement for Deng, and Randle can do many of the things Boozer can. Could be a toss-up.
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What if they won the draft lottery?Who would each team pick if the pingpong balls bounced in its favor?
Updated: December 9, 2013, 12:40 PM ETBy Chad Ford | ESPN Insider
Kent Smith/NBAE/Getty ImagesTrading Rudy Gay to Sacramento has vaulted Toronto higher in the race for the No. 1 overall pick.For the past month, our primary focus in Tank Rank has been on the race, on the court, for the No. 1 pick.
But what would each team do if it actually won the 2014 NBA draft lottery? It’s ridiculously early to ask that question — most teams have five to six players they are seriously considering with the No. 1 pick. But if they had to decide today … ?
Here’s our weekly look at where the 10 worst teams in the NBA stand in their quest for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
1. Milwaukee Bucks | Status: Trying | Record: 4-16 (past week: 1-3)
The Bucks have plenty of athletes in the frontcourt, but they really lack a go-to scorer who can demand a double-team in the post. While John Henson is playing well for them, he’s not an ideal partner on the front line next to Larry Sanders. Kentucky’s Julius Randle seems like the most obvious fit for the Bucks. Pair him with Sanders on one side and rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo on the other, and the Bucks will be well on their way to a full, exciting rebuild.
(Last week: 1
)2. Utah Jazz | Status: Tanking | Record: 4-18 (past week: 1-3)
The Jazz’s biggest hole is at small forward. The two guys who get the most time there, Marvin Williams and Richard Jefferson, are both free agents this summer. But even if that wasn’t the biggest need, it’s hard to think of any other team in the league that would be a better fit for Duke’s Jabari Parker. Parker’s versatile, aggressive game would be a godsend to the Jazz. And with Parker the best Mormon basketball player since Danny Ainge, there’s a good chance the Jazz could keep him long term.
(Last week: 2
)3. Philadelphia 76ers | Status: Tanking | Record: 7-14 (past week: 1-2)
The Sixers are obviously happy with Michael Carter-Williams at the point. And when Nerlens Noel gets healthy, he has a chance to be a defensive anchor in the middle. So a wing or a low-post scorer would make the most sense. The early intel is that the 76ers are enamored with Kansas’ Andrew Wiggins. If Wiggins had a decent point guard to set him up — point guard play has been a weakness for the Jayhawks this season — he’s got a chance to have a Paul George-type leap from college to the NBA.
(Last week: 4
)4. Toronto Raptors | Status: Tanking | Record: 7-12 (past week: 1-2)
The Raptors threw their hats into the tanking ring on Sunday when they shippedRudy Gay to the Kings. You could see this one coming for a while. The Raptors desperately wanted to rid themselves of Gay’s contract. If there is a team that Andrew Wiggins is a lock for, it’s the Raptors. The NBA’s only Canadian team is hungry to land one of its own and Wiggins would be the ultimate prize. He isn’t a fit the way the current roster is constructed, but general manager Masai Ujiri would make quick work of that.
(Last week: 8
)5. Orlando Magic | Status: Tanking | Record: 6-14 (past week: 0-4)
The Magic were bummed when Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart decided to return for his sophomore season. If they get the No. 1 pick, would they take Smart?
I’m inclined to say yes, though sources in Orlando say they are bullish thatVictor Oladipo could be a point guard in the NBA, and his success could free them to take a player with more upside, such as Andrew Wiggins.
(Last week: 6
)6. Cleveland Cavaliers | Status: Trying | Record: 7-13 (past week: 2-1)
If GM Chris Grant has a job going in to next summer — and given owner Dan Gilbert’s desire to make the playoffs this season, Grant may not — then you can expect the unexpected. Grant has made several unorthodox picks, and from what I gather, Cleveland might do it again.
The Cavs are one of the teams beating the Joel Embiid drum. The Cameroon big man has drawn comparisons to Hakeem Olajuwon, and the Cavs believe that ultimately, Andrew Bynum won’t be their long-term answer in the middle.
(Last week: 3
)7. Sacramento Kings | Status: Rebuilding | Record: 5-13 (past week: 1-2)
The Kings made a major move Sunday, trading away a number of spare parts for Rudy Gay. It was their second big trade in as many weeks and signaled that they’re attempting to rebuild now. Gay is clearly an upgrade, but is he good enough to put them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West?
I don’t think so. I see Sacramento as a legitimate landing spot for Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart. His toughness and ability to lead could immediately turn the fortunes in Sacramento. Dante Exum is another real possibility.
(Last week: 5
)8. Charlotte Bobcats | Status: Trying | Record: 9-11 (past week: 1-1)
The Bobcats have made a mess of the draft in recent years. Could they bumble this one, too? I don’t think so. I’m hearing Michael Jordan is an Andrew Wiggins guy, though there’s a soft spot in the organization for Australia’s Dante Exum.
(Last week: 9
)9. Boston Celtics | Status: Tank-building | Record: 10-12 (past week: 3-0)
Ainge has been this draft class’ biggest skeptic. And if the Celtics keep winning like this, they won’t be on this list much longer. But if somehow they manage to end up with the No. 1 pick, I hear Ainge would have a hard time passing on Jabari Parker here.
(Last week: 7
)10. Chicago Bulls | Status: Trying? | Record: 8-10 (past week: 1-2)
With Luol Deng heading into free agency this summer and Carlos Boozer a possible amnesty candidate, the Bulls’ biggest needs will be at the 3 and the 4. Parker would be a worthy replacement for Deng, and Randle can do many of the things Boozer can. Could be a toss-up.
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