[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

I really had to think this one over, and can’t come up with an answer so i thought i’d ask all of you…

Who do you like best as a prospect? Here’s my analysis of the three:

BARNES: This kid is a very safe bet to be a quality NBA player. He has perfect form on an improving jumpshot and a great pull up. He is an absolute workaholic and carries himself with great humility and discipline. There is no doubt in my mind that if it is humanly possible for Harrison Barnes to become a star that he will indeed be one. He won’t rest until it happens and is also a great ambassador for any franchise.

That also leads me to my question marks, due to the fact that I wonder if he’s too nice of a kid. Two guys who’ve gone on to be successful as franchise players with Barnes’ type of personality are Tim Duncan and David Robinson, the obvious difference being that they were 7 foot freakishly athletic (Robinson) and nearly flawless (Duncan) prospects at a position that doesn’t produce great players that often. Barnes, on the other hand is 6’8 with good, not great NBA athleticism and a solid skill set. I consider him the safest bet of the three, but he could also fall into the low risk/low reward category. I have a hard time picturing him as a true NBA superstar more than a very very good 2nd option.

RIVERS: A dominating scorer with a drive to be the best, Rivers also qualifies as a workaholic. In high school, I heard he would go after practice and do an hour of ballhandling before getting up an additional 500 shots everyday. I’ve never seen any single player shut him down. His 1st step out of the triple threat is elite and you will pay if you back off, eveidenced by a game where he hit 11 threes last year.

Rivers will not fail in the NBA, but when comparing who will be the best among elite prospects, he has question marks. Although they’ve done it with limited success, the players who have done the best job of guarding him have been of the long, lean, and athletic variety, which pretty much describes the prototype for what he’ll see NIGHTLY in the NBA. He’s also become harder to root for, seeming to gain more and more of an ego. I am forced to question his coachability. His personality has the same question marks that Kobe Bryant’s did at the same age IMO, the difference being he’s not as physically imposing. Will he work like Kobe to become more complete and a better teammate? Or simply be a great scorer on lottery teams?

 

MUHAMMAD: Watched him in person for the first time a few weeks ago at the Adidas Invitational against Indiana Elite, a team with 3 top 50 prospects in 2012. After his squad fell behind by 16 points in the second half, Muhammad willed them back for the win, finishing with 39 points. He’s had similar games since, and seems to get stronger and more explosive every time new footage pops up of him. He slashes relentlessly and has worked on improving his jumpshot. Despite still needing consistency, his stroke does have good mechanics, and he shows no fear in utilizing it. Along with that he has  a great middle game with a combination of pull ups, runners, floaters, and bank shots. he operates in the 12-foot range as well as any perimeter player not in the NBA.He’s also shown a will to win games, which cannot go understated.

I think Muhammad is the least polished of the three guys. Rather than carve his man up in one on one situations, he looks to physically dominate his opponents. The only problem with that is that he’s no LeBron James, and is actually pretty prototypical size for an NBA 2-guard. At some point he won’t be able to bully every defender and dunk at will. How will he respond?

 

 

I read where Aran Smith said Muhammad is the best 2-guard prospect to come in quite some time. He said he’d likely go 1st in 2011 or 2012 if he was eligible. As impressed as i’ve been, I’m not quite on the bandwagon like that just yet and if I was down between these three for a pick Muhammad’s the first guy i’d eliminate, but that’s just me. All three have a few question marks, but they also all present the risk of making you pay for passing up on them.

Who would you select and why??

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Great writeup! I agree with your list. Barnes is the safest bet out of all three. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball. has great size, he’s a very good shooter, and his defense is stellar. And he’s a gymrat,a dn you know he has the desire to improve upon his weaknesses. That being said, I question wheter he can be a franchise player. He has mediocre handles, and an average 1st step, which prevents him from getting to the cup consistently. He says he been working on his handle, so we’ll see how much improvement he’s made next season.

Rivers is a very skilled offesnive player. Has a great 1st step in the half-court, good athleticism, and a nice stroke. He needs to fix his shot-selection through. He’s very ball-dominant, and needs the ball in his hands in order to be effective. He’s not a good catch-and-shoot player. He’s really cocky, and tends to display poor body language on the court when he gets frurstrated. Coach K is going to be very vital for his development.

I also have Shabazz third. Basically all the action I’ve see from him are highlights though. He looks more explosive than ever, but he seems like he’s mainly a dunker, and his dribbling is out of control. I saw him play in the Adidas Super 64 a few days ago. It was my first time watching him play, but I couldn’t evaluate him because he had an ankle injury, and clearly didn’t look 100%. I don’t think he’s as skilled as Barnes or Rivers.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Great writeup! I agree with your list. Barnes is the safest bet out of all three. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball. has great size, he’s a very good shooter, and his defense is stellar. And he’s a gymrat,a dn you know he has the desire to improve upon his weaknesses. That being said, I question wheter he can be a franchise player. He has mediocre handles, and an average 1st step, which prevents him from getting to the cup consistently. He says he been working on his handle, so we’ll see how much improvement he’s made next season.

Rivers is a very skilled offesnive player. Has a great 1st step in the half-court, good athleticism, and a nice stroke. He needs to fix his shot-selection through. He’s very ball-dominant, and needs the ball in his hands in order to be effective. He’s not a good catch-and-shoot player. He’s really cocky, and tends to display poor body language on the court when he gets frurstrated. Coach K is going to be very vital for his development.

I also have Shabazz third. Basically all the action I’ve see from him are highlights though. He looks more explosive than ever, but he seems like he’s mainly a dunker, and his dribbling is out of control. I saw him play in the Adidas Super 64 a few days ago. It was my first time watching him play, but I couldn’t evaluate him because he had an ankle injury, and clearly didn’t look 100%. I don’t think he’s as skilled as Barnes or Rivers.

[moochieeParticipant]

I’d take Shabazz cause I think he’s got the best upside in my opinion. I think both Barnes and Rivers can be really good NBA players too, but as stated before Barnes potential to be a franchise guy is questionable and Rivers is a bit one dimensional.And to me, the fact that Shabazz isn’t a complete player yet and he stills is so dominant, just bodes well for his future when he does add some new elements to his game.

[moochieeParticipant]

I’d take Shabazz cause I think he’s got the best upside in my opinion. I think both Barnes and Rivers can be really good NBA players too, but as stated before Barnes potential to be a franchise guy is questionable and Rivers is a bit one dimensional.And to me, the fact that Shabazz isn’t a complete player yet and he stills is so dominant, just bodes well for his future when he does add some new elements to his game.

[blackmamba13Participant]

Depends on what kind of gambler you are. Barnes is a sure bet. You may not rake in the big bucks but you’ll definitely gain at a steady pace.

Austin Rivers has the potential and has shown signs of being a great player one day but he has a sporatic style of play. He could come in and spark a franchise or his light could dwindle and he could end up as a role guy in the wrong situation.

Muhummad is not one that you put all of your chips behind but a healthy portion in hopes that he continues to develop and home his skills.

 

All three are very good players and will eventually make good pros. Its all in how you look at. Give me Barnes.

[blackmamba13Participant]

Depends on what kind of gambler you are. Barnes is a sure bet. You may not rake in the big bucks but you’ll definitely gain at a steady pace.

Austin Rivers has the potential and has shown signs of being a great player one day but he has a sporatic style of play. He could come in and spark a franchise or his light could dwindle and he could end up as a role guy in the wrong situation.

Muhummad is not one that you put all of your chips behind but a healthy portion in hopes that he continues to develop and home his skills.

 

All three are very good players and will eventually make good pros. Its all in how you look at. Give me Barnes.

[akhan786Participant]

I’d say give me Barnes as well mostly because he has proven himself in elite competition. Though he struggled early on his freshman year, he lit up in the last half and even set the ACC Tournament record for most points scored by a freshman (40). He is a sure thing and I’d say at least he could be a Loul Deng type of player or at the most be Grant Hill in his prime.

To me Austin Rivers is an enigma. Even though he’s playing for my Dookies there’s a lot questions on whether he can be the man for the inexperienced Duke team. He has the potential to light it up but he also has the potential of shooting a very low percentage and ultimately being a cancer to the team. I’m crossing my fingers for Rivers to have a similar coming out part as Kyrie Irving did (except hopefully he plays more than 11 games smh…) and I think his utmost ceiling is Brandon Roy.

I’ve never seen Shabazz in person so I can’t make a fair judgement on the kid but what I do know is the kid has heart and LOADS of potential. The most common comparison for him is a James Harden/Kobe Bryant hybrid.

Until Rivers and Muhammad can prove it on the collegiate level give me Barnes.

 

[akhan786Participant]

I’d say give me Barnes as well mostly because he has proven himself in elite competition. Though he struggled early on his freshman year, he lit up in the last half and even set the ACC Tournament record for most points scored by a freshman (40). He is a sure thing and I’d say at least he could be a Loul Deng type of player or at the most be Grant Hill in his prime.

To me Austin Rivers is an enigma. Even though he’s playing for my Dookies there’s a lot questions on whether he can be the man for the inexperienced Duke team. He has the potential to light it up but he also has the potential of shooting a very low percentage and ultimately being a cancer to the team. I’m crossing my fingers for Rivers to have a similar coming out part as Kyrie Irving did (except hopefully he plays more than 11 games smh…) and I think his utmost ceiling is Brandon Roy.

I’ve never seen Shabazz in person so I can’t make a fair judgement on the kid but what I do know is the kid has heart and LOADS of potential. The most common comparison for him is a James Harden/Kobe Bryant hybrid.

Until Rivers and Muhammad can prove it on the collegiate level give me Barnes.

 

[franfranParticipant]

 I choose to Barnes, for the reason that he has a spectacular work ethic and a perfect IC that will make you be a superstar

[franfranParticipant]

 I choose to Barnes, for the reason that he has a spectacular work ethic and a perfect IC that will make you be a superstar

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 Finaly some one who realizes how awesome of a player Austin Rivers is ,he was also listed at 6’5 at some NBA players camp .He also throws down dunks like a NBA sf during warm ups.He can finish at the rim around big with body contact or not .He also has a good floater that bigs can block.His handles are super quick and he can hit the jumper all day long from anywere .SO basicaly he can score from anywere at any time.

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 Finaly some one who realizes how awesome of a player Austin Rivers is ,he was also listed at 6’5 at some NBA players camp .He also throws down dunks like a NBA sf during warm ups.He can finish at the rim around big with body contact or not .He also has a good floater that bigs can block.His handles are super quick and he can hit the jumper all day long from anywere .SO basicaly he can score from anywere at any time.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

Yeah I’d expect to hear cases made for all 3, even from scouts.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

Yeah I’d expect to hear cases made for all 3, even from scouts.

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

Yeah rilemcshea what impresses me most about Rivers is how he’s improved every year.

Usually when a kid is ranked as highly as he was as a freshman, it’s because they are near their physical peak and other guys have to catch up (Brandon Knight, OJ Mayo, Lance Stephenson). Rivers was the opposite. He was a scronny, babyfaced freshman who didn’t appear to be very athletic and lived at the 3 point line. Now he is capable of poster dunks and is the rare kind of player who may be equally dangerous driving or shooting. I’ve never seen a kid with so much hype that early continue to physically mature and develop as much as he has over four years.

At the same time his improvement physically has led me to believe he’s regressed a little in the mental aspect. Having improved so much he seems to have become more cocky and ball dominant (no homo), where early on he showed amazing poise and ability to play off his teammates, leading to comparisons to Steph Curry.

I believe he’ll only continue rounding out and improving though, and will eventually play great defense.

 

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

Yeah rilemcshea what impresses me most about Rivers is how he’s improved every year.

Usually when a kid is ranked as highly as he was as a freshman, it’s because they are near their physical peak and other guys have to catch up (Brandon Knight, OJ Mayo, Lance Stephenson). Rivers was the opposite. He was a scronny, babyfaced freshman who didn’t appear to be very athletic and lived at the 3 point line. Now he is capable of poster dunks and is the rare kind of player who may be equally dangerous driving or shooting. I’ve never seen a kid with so much hype that early continue to physically mature and develop as much as he has over four years.

At the same time his improvement physically has led me to believe he’s regressed a little in the mental aspect. Having improved so much he seems to have become more cocky and ball dominant (no homo), where early on he showed amazing poise and ability to play off his teammates, leading to comparisons to Steph Curry.

I believe he’ll only continue rounding out and improving though, and will eventually play great defense.

 

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

scrawny** my fault

[hiphopismylifeParticipant]

scrawny** my fault

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

I will take Rivers. I am interested to see how he does in NCAA play though. Guys are going to get after him everynight and I want to see how he handles it. If he folds all season then give me Barnes. I don’t think Rivers folds though. I hate Duke.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

I will take Rivers. I am interested to see how he does in NCAA play though. Guys are going to get after him everynight and I want to see how he handles it. If he folds all season then give me Barnes. I don’t think Rivers folds though. I hate Duke.

[Mr. JewboyParticipant]

 Austin Rivers reminds me a bit of Monta Ellis- a very good scorer, quick has hell, and can finish around the rim despite being skinny and not too tall

but, Rivers is taller and has a better shot and better work ethic

Therefore I say at worst he’s monta ellis(which is extremely acceptable)

[Mr. JewboyParticipant]

 Austin Rivers reminds me a bit of Monta Ellis- a very good scorer, quick has hell, and can finish around the rim despite being skinny and not too tall

but, Rivers is taller and has a better shot and better work ethic

Therefore I say at worst he’s monta ellis(which is extremely acceptable)

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Rivers small frame and defense are my two concerns when it comes to him being and NBA prospect, but he’s young and has time to fill out.  Barnes and Shabazz are both much more physically mature than Rivers so I’d take them over Rivers at this point.  And since I think Shabazz has a higher ceiling than Barnes I’d take him.  

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Rivers small frame and defense are my two concerns when it comes to him being and NBA prospect, but he’s young and has time to fill out.  Barnes and Shabazz are both much more physically mature than Rivers so I’d take them over Rivers at this point.  And since I think Shabazz has a higher ceiling than Barnes I’d take him.  

[tuck243Participant]

Barnes- Limited offensively and not quick at all… Doesn’t have a 20+ game to me, but he’s really a hard worker so I need to see how much he progressed this year….

Rivers- Has NBA go to moves right now, with a quick first step (something Mayo don’t have and still puts up 15+), his floater is ridiculous, but he’s a little bit of a ball hog… Coach K puts him at PG this year and he excels in that position, I’ll take him over both of them…

Shabazz- I REALLY need to see this kid i college before I give him any nod at this point…  Only thing I see is him dunking everything… His release point is very low and not fluent…  I come away everytime I watch a game like yes he gets buckets, but its more athletic than anything else… And I’m not sure if he’s as athletic as people claim him to be…  He doesn’t have the body of a LeBron to be given that shot room in the league… Plus we tend to OVER love left handed players too much…  He’s listed as 6’5, but prolly closer to 6’4… His first step isn’t as quick as Wades, and I really don’t see him finishing around the basket with floaters, and off the glass shots….  IDK… I need to see more of his game than dunks and wide open shots…

[tuck243Participant]

Barnes- Limited offensively and not quick at all… Doesn’t have a 20+ game to me, but he’s really a hard worker so I need to see how much he progressed this year….

Rivers- Has NBA go to moves right now, with a quick first step (something Mayo don’t have and still puts up 15+), his floater is ridiculous, but he’s a little bit of a ball hog… Coach K puts him at PG this year and he excels in that position, I’ll take him over both of them…

Shabazz- I REALLY need to see this kid i college before I give him any nod at this point…  Only thing I see is him dunking everything… His release point is very low and not fluent…  I come away everytime I watch a game like yes he gets buckets, but its more athletic than anything else… And I’m not sure if he’s as athletic as people claim him to be…  He doesn’t have the body of a LeBron to be given that shot room in the league… Plus we tend to OVER love left handed players too much…  He’s listed as 6’5, but prolly closer to 6’4… His first step isn’t as quick as Wades, and I really don’t see him finishing around the basket with floaters, and off the glass shots….  IDK… I need to see more of his game than dunks and wide open shots…

[tuck243Participant]

Rivers, you know he’s going to give you (15 to 20+ a night) the other 2?  Potential versus production is the hardest thing to evaluate… Who knows…

[tuck243Participant]

Rivers, you know he’s going to give you (15 to 20+ a night) the other 2?  Potential versus production is the hardest thing to evaluate… Who knows…

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 they wont play rivers at pg they got Quin Cook

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 they wont play rivers at pg they got Quin Cook

[tuck243Participant]

I thought that, but Coach K been talking about putting him there… Plus Austin continue to compare himself with Kyrie… Plus Cook is a little overrated and more than likely will come off the bench… I don’t see how he can start over Dawkins and Curry…  Unless Rivers plays terrible at PG…  

[tuck243Participant]

I thought that, but Coach K been talking about putting him there… Plus Austin continue to compare himself with Kyrie… Plus Cook is a little overrated and more than likely will come off the bench… I don’t see how he can start over Dawkins and Curry…  Unless Rivers plays terrible at PG…  

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 I really can’t compare Muhammad, as I have really only seen his highlights.  

I would take Barnes over Rivers right now.  Their size difference is significant.  Barnes physical attributes are superior to Rivers for an NBA wing when you consider both ends of the floor.  I think that Barnes can better score in the flow of an NBA offense and doesn’t need plays run for him to be a valuable player.  He also has a more complete game than Rivers, as Barnes looks like a superior off the ball scorer, rebounder, defender, and passer.  Rivers looks more explosive and probably has better ability to create his own shot and get to the rim.

I think Barnes will end up as a Joe Johnson/Luol Deng type player in the NBA, and Mayo will be more similar to Jason Terry.

 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 I really can’t compare Muhammad, as I have really only seen his highlights.  

I would take Barnes over Rivers right now.  Their size difference is significant.  Barnes physical attributes are superior to Rivers for an NBA wing when you consider both ends of the floor.  I think that Barnes can better score in the flow of an NBA offense and doesn’t need plays run for him to be a valuable player.  He also has a more complete game than Rivers, as Barnes looks like a superior off the ball scorer, rebounder, defender, and passer.  Rivers looks more explosive and probably has better ability to create his own shot and get to the rim.

I think Barnes will end up as a Joe Johnson/Luol Deng type player in the NBA, and Mayo will be more similar to Jason Terry.

 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

I put Mayo where I wanted Rivers.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

I put Mayo where I wanted Rivers.

[AnthonyPEPZParticipant]

 Michael Gilchrist would shut down all of them

[AnthonyPEPZParticipant]

 Michael Gilchrist would shut down all of them

[Johnny Chill]

Why is he even in the conversation right now?

Muhammad is way behind Barnes and Rivers right now.

I would take Rivers because of super star power, but Barnes has a motor and can be a good player not super star.

[Johnny Chill]

Why is he even in the conversation right now?

Muhammad is way behind Barnes and Rivers right now.

I would take Rivers because of super star power, but Barnes has a motor and can be a good player not super star.

[Harbinger]

 Im telling you guys the will power Shabazz gives off to win games is unrivaled. He’s no lebron physically  but when it comes to agression hes kobe and wade with a croc instinct  to attack.I seen hightlights of him since he was 14 and watched 2 games of him.Even in the super 64 he was no shy gunner and before the other team learned the seriousness of his injury they played off him where he was able to jack up a couple of uncontested 3’s, at the next level I expect he will get the same respect from his competitors.With an improved jump shot he will make more then he misses.I think he will be a better "SG" then the other two for sure.Interesting topic everyone good posts.

[Harbinger]

 Im telling you guys the will power Shabazz gives off to win games is unrivaled. He’s no lebron physically  but when it comes to agression hes kobe and wade with a croc instinct  to attack.I seen hightlights of him since he was 14 and watched 2 games of him.Even in the super 64 he was no shy gunner and before the other team learned the seriousness of his injury they played off him where he was able to jack up a couple of uncontested 3’s, at the next level I expect he will get the same respect from his competitors.With an improved jump shot he will make more then he misses.I think he will be a better "SG" then the other two for sure.Interesting topic everyone good posts.

[Author]

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