Scouting: Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and Julius Randle NBA Comparisons

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Updated: November 14, 2013

It may sound foolish to talk about professional projections of 18 year old players after one collegiate game, but that is the world we live in. We’ve already seen guys like Kyrie Irving go #1 after playing less than 20 college games. What I’m trying to say is that, if you have it, you have it and in the NBA it’ll get you drafted.

Guys like Andrew Wiggins (Kansas), Jabari Parker (Duke), and Julius Randle (Kentucky) way exceeded expectations after their first college games. However where are the NBA comparisons? Where are the scouting reports?

I got you covered:

Andrew Wiggins, Guard, Kansas
What he does well: Explodes towards the hoop with athleticism. Elite jumper and a smooth scorer. Can also handle the rock under pressure.

What he needs work on: Needs to work on strength. Will get pushed around in the NBA due to slight frame. Big guards like Chauncey Billups will post him up deep in the paint.

Andrew Wiggins Best Case NBA Comparison: Kobe Bryant, Guard, Lakers
Andrew Wiggins Worst Case NBA Comparison: Desmond Mason, Guard, Bucks/Sonics (Retired)

Jabari Parker, Forward, Duke
What he does well: Smooth scorer. Gets to the rim using his length. Smooth jumper from 20 feet out. Willing rebounder.

What he needs work on: Needs to work on passing. Can he make the right pass out of the double team?

Jabari Parker Best Case NBA Comparison: Kevin Durant, Forwawrd, Thunder
Jabari Parker Worst Case NBA Comparison: Danny Manning, Forward, Suns (Retired)

Julius Randle, Forward, Kentucky
What he does well: NBA size. Plays deep in the post. Wants to play with his back to the basket. Doesn’t settle for jumpers, mauls his way to the paint.

What he needs work on: Needs to work on motor. Can he stay motivated if he’s not getting his touches?

Julius Randle Best Case NBA Comparison: Zach Randolph, Forward, Grizzlies
Julius Randle Worst Case NBA Comparison: Anthony Bennett, Forward, Cavailers