[princejamesParticipant]

Damn, I’m Extremely Excited About The Top Three Prospects With-in This Years 2014 Draft Class. It Is Going To Be Fun To Watch The Top NBA Draft Prospects Play College Basketball This Year

Quick Early Season Scouting Report

1. Jabari Parker – NBA Comparison: Carmello Anthony/Grant Hill

• I’ve absolutely been in love for the last 2 years with the extremely high skill level, great feel for the game, and tremendous versatility that Jabari Parker possesses ( example: Jabari naturally has the ability to play all 5 positions on the basketball court at the college level – PG, SG, SF, PF, and Center ) And when judging players, I’ve always embraced what I call the Larry Bird Factor, in which the best player will always be the player that has the most basketball skills, the highest level of basketball skills, and the greatest level of basketball understanding. For example Kobe Bryant or Lebron James are the best basketball players in the world. Because they possess the most and highest level of basketball skills and the greatest level of basketball understanding. And in my opinion Jabari is the most skilled player who also possesses the best feel for the game when being compared to any other 2014 NBA Draft Prospect. Jabari Parker is simply a coaches dream, because he possesses the complete skill package with the ability to mentally think in ways that allows him to consistently make the right decision and right play. While also possessing the intangibles and playmaking skills that will help him be impactful and effective with-out needing to score the basketball. I actually think that Jabari has the potential to be better that both Carmello Anthony and Antoine Walker. And ultimately become a player who is similar to Grant Hill, before Grant Hill had his numerous injuries  And thus I absolutely expect Jabari to have a great season playing for duke. Which will lead to many NBA teams wanting Jabari to be a key part and/or maybe even the face of their franchise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMyTaa-dYCE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb1aWmU58c8

2. Julius Randle – NBA Comparison: Zach Randolph / Amare Stoudemire

• I love Julius Randle as a prospect because he’s able to combine great dynamic combo forward skills with great physical tools, and great mental & physical toughness. I think that he might be the only player in college who has the talent, skills, physicality, and desire to destroy and dominate his opponents. He simply wants to chew up and spit out every opponent he goes up against. He will be in beast mode every time he steps on the court this college basketball season – guaranteed. And I just love players like that because in my opinion what separates a good player from a great player a lot of times is who possesses the greatest level of Mental Skills (toughness, heart, confidence, passion, aggressiveness, competiveness, etc.). And I grew up watching guys like Charles Barkely and Karl Malone dominate against their competition because they possessed the talent and mental skills needed to dominate. And I think that Julius possesses those same unique qualities that will lead to many NBA teams wanting Julius to be a key part and/or maybe even the face of their franchise. Julius also possesses an overall talent level that is similar to Zach Randolph, Amare Stoudemire, and Terry Cummings. My one problem with Julius is that even though he can play on the perimeter because he has pretty solid ball handling skills. At times I think that he plays on the perimeter too much. When he should just focus on being a very skilled power forward who can be special in the paint as a finisher and creator of offense for himself and his teammates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-E1u1rg6ms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbGqhtI3RrQ

3. Andrew Wiggins – NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion / Andre Iguodala

• I feel bad for Andrew Wiggins, because he’s a talented high school prospect who has been given extremely high expectations with-out possessing the elite skill level that will give him the opportunity to achieve greatness early in his career. He’s a talented defender, a talented athlete, a special player with-in transition offensive schemes, and a extremely dynamic finisher around the rim. But his skill level development has a long way to go before I can start to compare him to all-time greats. In my opinion his great defensive abilities is what will truly turn Andrew into a very valuable and impactful NBA player. I actually believe that Wiggins can easily match the great defensive abilities and defensive versatility of Scottie Pippen. I love Andrew Wiggens potential and upside, but I also definitely think that Wiggins is overhyped in a very unrealistic way. We all have to be patient with him and give him the opportunity to develop the necessary understanding that will help him reach his full potential and ultimately grow into a great basketball player. Right now Andrew in my opinion possesses a talent level that is similar to a young and very athletic Shawn Marion, Andre Iguodala, Michael Kidd Gilchrist, and Corey Brewer.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YlTf_38ULA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4H4PK7zc6c

 

[KHAM83Participant]

 Nice write up.  I also think Parker and Randle should be picked higher than Wiggins bc they already have all the pieces to be great. Wiggins we’re hoping improves his offense and motor. I am nitpicking, Wiggins seems like a can’t miss prospect, but so does Parker and Randle. 

 

Question- Randle looks to have short arms. How does his standing reach and wing span compare to other bigs? Have there been any elite bigs in the league with short standing reach/wing span?  Zach Randolph comes to mind, but I’m not exactly sure how long or short his arms are. 

 

 

[KHAM83Participant]

 Nice write up.  I also think Parker and Randle should be picked higher than Wiggins bc they already have all the pieces to be great. Wiggins we’re hoping improves his offense and motor. I am nitpicking, Wiggins seems like a can’t miss prospect, but so does Parker and Randle. 

 

Question- Randle looks to have short arms. How does his standing reach and wing span compare to other bigs? Have there been any elite bigs in the league with short standing reach/wing span?  Zach Randolph comes to mind, but I’m not exactly sure how long or short his arms are. 

 

 

[JoeWolf1]

 Randle has a 6’11” wingspan and 8’9.5” standing reach. By no means a T-Rex, but not particularly good measurements for a man his size. Pretty similar to Blake Griffin.

[JoeWolf1]

 Randle has a 6’11” wingspan and 8’9.5” standing reach. By no means a T-Rex, but not particularly good measurements for a man his size. Pretty similar to Blake Griffin.

[princejamesParticipant]

 

Julius Randle Arm Length Measurenents Is Fine, His wingspan actually compares favorably to other talented power forwards in the NBA

1. Julius Randle:

• Height w/shoes: 6’9"
• Wingspan: 6’11"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 9.5"

2. Kevin Love:

• Height w/shoes: 6’9.5"
• Wingspan: 6’11.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 10"

3. Blake Griffen

• Height w/shoes: 6’10"
• Wingspan: 6’11.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 9"

4. David Lee

• Height w/shoes: 6’9"
• Wingspan: 7’0"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 10.5"

5. Micheal Beasley

• Height w/shoes: 6’8.5"
• Wingspan: 7’0.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 11"

 

[princejamesParticipant]

 

Julius Randle Arm Length Measurenents Is Fine, His wingspan actually compares favorably to other talented power forwards in the NBA

1. Julius Randle:

• Height w/shoes: 6’9"
• Wingspan: 6’11"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 9.5"

2. Kevin Love:

• Height w/shoes: 6’9.5"
• Wingspan: 6’11.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 10"

3. Blake Griffen

• Height w/shoes: 6’10"
• Wingspan: 6’11.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 9"

4. David Lee

• Height w/shoes: 6’9"
• Wingspan: 7’0"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 10.5"

5. Micheal Beasley

• Height w/shoes: 6’8.5"
• Wingspan: 7’0.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 11"

 

[KHAM83Participant]

 Thanks for clearing that up! 

[KHAM83Participant]

 Thanks for clearing that up! 

[samosasParticipant]

 I haven’t seen enough of Parker to say, but one thing that I know Randle has going for him is hustle, and you can’t teach hustle. 

[samosasParticipant]

 I haven’t seen enough of Parker to say, but one thing that I know Randle has going for him is hustle, and you can’t teach hustle. 

[princejamesParticipant]

This is for all you young bloods who don’t know who Terry Cummings is. He was a beast, strong, powerful, skilled, and a great 1980s power forward who was an all-star and also put up some great numbers/stats early in his career. In my opinion Julius Randle has a skill level and overall talent level that is very similar to Terry Cummings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Cummings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lfk5QaVeKw

[princejamesParticipant]

This is for all you young bloods who don’t know who Terry Cummings is. He was a beast, strong, powerful, skilled, and a great 1980s power forward who was an all-star and also put up some great numbers/stats early in his career. In my opinion Julius Randle has a skill level and overall talent level that is very similar to Terry Cummings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Cummings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lfk5QaVeKw

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 Thanks for the insight. I’m a young blood who was not even thought of at that time lol

[MalcolmxParticipant]

 Thanks for the insight. I’m a young blood who was not even thought of at that time lol

[FastAndFuriousParticipant]

I think anybody with a right mind would take Parker and Randle over Wiggins as of right now, but when June comes Wiggins still will be the #1 pick, too much hype surronding him for him not to, I think Parker is the best freshman in the land, but I still have that gut feeling, that unless Parker wins a national title and averages 25 a game(Which wont happen with him at Duke) Wiggins is still going #1.

[FastAndFuriousParticipant]

I think anybody with a right mind would take Parker and Randle over Wiggins as of right now, but when June comes Wiggins still will be the #1 pick, too much hype surronding him for him not to, I think Parker is the best freshman in the land, but I still have that gut feeling, that unless Parker wins a national title and averages 25 a game(Which wont happen with him at Duke) Wiggins is still going #1.

[Jayhawks2011Participant]

 @princejames.  The guys who you compared his legth too are all offensively talented, but they also represent some of the bad defenders in the nba.  You look at the lengths for the defensive stoppers it will be much larger.  ie Serge Ibaka, KG.

[Jayhawks2011Participant]

 @princejames.  The guys who you compared his legth too are all offensively talented, but they also represent some of the bad defenders in the nba.  You look at the lengths for the defensive stoppers it will be much larger.  ie Serge Ibaka, KG.

[thricethefunParticipant]

Jabari would be my pick if I had the #1 pick this year. Randle I think will have the most immediate impact out of college and would be my #2. Wiggins has a ton of potential but it will be very tough to realize it. Would say that these 3 are all tier 1 prospects though and are all significantly better prospects than anyone else in the draft

[thricethefunParticipant]

Jabari would be my pick if I had the #1 pick this year. Randle I think will have the most immediate impact out of college and would be my #2. Wiggins has a ton of potential but it will be very tough to realize it. Would say that these 3 are all tier 1 prospects though and are all significantly better prospects than anyone else in the draft

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

What’s gotten into PrinceJames?  He actually made a good post, is backing up his opinions with stats, and is replying to other posters with facts!

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

What’s gotten into PrinceJames?  He actually made a good post, is backing up his opinions with stats, and is replying to other posters with facts!

[Tiger1313Participant]

 Big fan of Parker. Haven’t been exposed to Randle enough. The thing I don’t like to see is when they talk about Parkers athleticism. Been called average. I think he’s very well shown it’s above average. Sure it’s not explosive like Wiggins, but he’s a VERY fluid athlete and for his position in the NBA will most likely still be above average. He’s my #1 pick due to the complete package and heart to win. Wiggins still needs those perimeter skills to develop for me to call him my #1 pick, however, I’m rooting for him.

[Tiger1313Participant]

 Big fan of Parker. Haven’t been exposed to Randle enough. The thing I don’t like to see is when they talk about Parkers athleticism. Been called average. I think he’s very well shown it’s above average. Sure it’s not explosive like Wiggins, but he’s a VERY fluid athlete and for his position in the NBA will most likely still be above average. He’s my #1 pick due to the complete package and heart to win. Wiggins still needs those perimeter skills to develop for me to call him my #1 pick, however, I’m rooting for him.

[MUbballfanParticipant]

I agree, I was extremely excited for the very good 2012 draft class but am even more excited to see this class. Along with Wiggins, Parker, and Randle, I also think that Aaron Gordon is something very special. Think worst case-Derrick Williams, best case-slightly shorter Blake Griffin. I was surprised to see that some of Gordon’s measurements are even greater than Griffin’s.

Griffin measurements (as posted above)      

• Height w/shoes: 6’10"
• Wingspan: 6’11.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 9"    

Gordon measurements

• Height w/shoes: 6’9
• Wingspan: 6’11.5
• Standing Reach: 8’10.5                                                                                

 

[MUbballfanParticipant]

I agree, I was extremely excited for the very good 2012 draft class but am even more excited to see this class. Along with Wiggins, Parker, and Randle, I also think that Aaron Gordon is something very special. Think worst case-Derrick Williams, best case-slightly shorter Blake Griffin. I was surprised to see that some of Gordon’s measurements are even greater than Griffin’s.

Griffin measurements (as posted above)      

• Height w/shoes: 6’10"
• Wingspan: 6’11.25"
• Standing Reach: 8′ 9"    

Gordon measurements

• Height w/shoes: 6’9
• Wingspan: 6’11.5
• Standing Reach: 8’10.5                                                                                

 

[NickWayne87Participant]

If Wiggins is taken number one and becomes a Andre Iguodala or even a Shawn Marion type player which are albeit good players….he’d be viewed as a Bust. I was never convinced he was a LeBron type talent it simply hasn’t been long enough to see another one of those I still can see he has the tools to be better than either of those two players. I still expect a Tracy Mcgrady esque career from him…….

[NickWayne87Participant]

If Wiggins is taken number one and becomes a Andre Iguodala or even a Shawn Marion type player which are albeit good players….he’d be viewed as a Bust. I was never convinced he was a LeBron type talent it simply hasn’t been long enough to see another one of those I still can see he has the tools to be better than either of those two players. I still expect a Tracy Mcgrady esque career from him…….

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Wiggins’ size doesn’t jump off the map.  He actually looks like a shooting guard with above average length and height.  There are some super freakishly sized athletic small forwards like LeBron, Kevin Durant, and Paul George right now.  Even Rudy Gay.  Another guy is Carmelo Anthony.  Even Kawhi Leonard is a really long small forward with huge hands and great defensive skills. 

Can Wiggins be better than those guys?  Who knows?  But, he doesn’t have super size for a small forward.  He has good but not great size for the wing.  And, if he is not a knock down shooter, then high volume small forward scorers have a lower ceiling these days than in the past.

I like the T Mac comparisons.  T Mac had great range though.  If Wiggins is more of a driver, slasher, and finisher then he could be more like Dr. J in terms of stats (22 points, 7 boards for his career) and highlight dunks.

Dr. J would be a great comparison.  But I don’t see Andrew Wiggins being a 25 points per game scorer straight out of the gate — if ever.

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Wiggins’ size doesn’t jump off the map.  He actually looks like a shooting guard with above average length and height.  There are some super freakishly sized athletic small forwards like LeBron, Kevin Durant, and Paul George right now.  Even Rudy Gay.  Another guy is Carmelo Anthony.  Even Kawhi Leonard is a really long small forward with huge hands and great defensive skills. 

Can Wiggins be better than those guys?  Who knows?  But, he doesn’t have super size for a small forward.  He has good but not great size for the wing.  And, if he is not a knock down shooter, then high volume small forward scorers have a lower ceiling these days than in the past.

I like the T Mac comparisons.  T Mac had great range though.  If Wiggins is more of a driver, slasher, and finisher then he could be more like Dr. J in terms of stats (22 points, 7 boards for his career) and highlight dunks.

Dr. J would be a great comparison.  But I don’t see Andrew Wiggins being a 25 points per game scorer straight out of the gate — if ever.

 

[esperanzafleet69Participant]

 everyone needs to quit nitpicking all of their games right now, the college season has barely started.. i guarentee all of your opinions will change, probably as soon as tonight, after some big games are played.

[esperanzafleet69Participant]

 everyone needs to quit nitpicking all of their games right now, the college season has barely started.. i guarentee all of your opinions will change, probably as soon as tonight, after some big games are played.

[Author]

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