Need More Than a Wall: Five Draft Prospects The Washington Wizards Should Draft
As for right now, we don't know what to expect from this college season and how it will result in the NBA Draft next year. There have been many surprises this season including the slow start to UNC's hyped up Harrison Barnes only averaging a little over 11 points a game.
For the Wizards, the franchise is in search of a powerful big man to put in the post, a shooter/scorer that can take over what Gilbert Arenas started in case he leaves, and a swift wingman on John Wall's side. A player that can get up and down the court at a rapid pace will be ideal to suit a player that possesses the speed that John Wall has, or can knock down a 3-pointer whenever John Wall decides to drive and dish the rock out to someone.
The Wizards' season hasn't really started off as planned and they are now trying to find an identity for themselves. Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis has a method of building through the draft to get young players and develop them in the years. Such a method was used for the Washington Capitals and the method seems to be working out because right now they are powerhouses in the NHL.
The draft isn't as strong as last year from what we've seen so far but there are a few prospects that could help the Wizards stay in contention for a playoff spot next year.
5. SF/PF Kyle Singler, Duke
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Very competitive player that can shoot, rebound, and pass...which is a combination of skills the Washington Wizards seem to be lacking.
Rebounds with good fundamentals (finds an opponent and boxes out with a low center of gravity and grabs the ball with two hands). Really fights for position. Has some limitations that include his size; because right now he is not big enough for NBA PF but is also not quick enough for NBA SF.
He could make up for his physical deficiencies with his great instincts, aggressiveness, court vision, and his high basketball IQ. He has a polished game and should be ready to contribute to an NBA team right away.
In the game Michigan State, which seems like the only game everyone has seen, Singler showed great court awareness. He often shoots well with a smooth step back jumper from beyond the college 3-point line; which a very nice Pro move there. That kind of shot will be something he can rely on in the NBA.
Coach K always has Singler running the wing on the break well - which finished once with a nice dunk through contact against Michigan State - and another time with a nice reverse lay up. Singler has a great arsenal of moves that can free up his shot, such as, a bevy of fakes, jab steps and hesitation moves.
He should be able to easily transition his outside game, and 3-point shooting to the NBA, unless he will be another 2008 version of J.J. Redick. His best position at the next level will be SF, but he'll struggle to defend well against the quicker players that he'll be required to guard in the NBA.
NBA Comparison: J.J. Redick with a bigger body frame/Kyle Korver
4. PF Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
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A small sized PF that is wide, physical, strong, and is actually a post-scoring threat...in which we haven't seen in a long time with all the defensive-minded big men.
Sullinger is a threat because of the fact that he uses either hand, has great footwork, has a variety of post moves every time down the court,and a terrific rebounder. Sullinger gets and holds great position, uses his wide body and physicality to box out his opponent.
So far it's confusing to judge Sullinger's effectiveness, he dominated against Florida and their terrific front line, and again against Chris Singleton and Florida State. But getting out played by Kenneth Faried of Morehead State. The games so far show his strengths through his post play, rebounding, strength, basketball IQ, and footwork. Although Faried exposed his weaknesses which were the lack of lateral quickness, Sullinger's inability to shoot, guard on the perimeter, and face-up game.
This pick by the Wizards would be questionable considering that they drafted two PFs in last years' draft, which included a similar player, Trevor Booker. The main thing is that the Wizards have been soft on the inside and they need as much bulk as possible.
NBA Comparison: DeJuan Blair/Sheldon Williams
3. SF/SG Harrison Barnes, UNC
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The "consensus number one pick" Harrison Barnes is underachieving... he hasn't shown any skills so far that would warrant the #1 ranking, or even a Lottery pick. He's certainly doesn't have the leadership intangible that was well talked about this past summer... he disappears from entire games, not just stretches of games.
Often he looks completely lost with most of what UNC is doing on offense, and his defense has been atrocious. He is a good rebounder, but most of America was expecting to see his athleticism, leadership, decision making, and basketball IQ come into display.
Barnes is a player that fouls excessively because his man gets around him easily. Poor decision making leading to turn overs. He seems to be TRYING - but it's not leading to results.
Who knows, maybe this is just a bad stretch of games, by the way, Derrick Rose didn't look like he would be the number one overall pick in the draft until around January.
If Harrison Barnes can get his shot together, than he can really help the Wizards with his slashing and set jump shot, if Barnes plays the way everyone expected him to play, than Wall can create many opportunities for him.
NBA Comparison: Grant Hill/Kevin Durant
2. SF/PF Terrance Jones, Kentucky
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If you asked anyone who is playing the best basketball in the NCAA right now, the answer would more than likely be Terrence Jones, the freshman out of Kentucky.
In his first six games he's averaging over 20 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.5 bpg, shooting 50 percent from the floor and 44 percent from 3.
That's a prime example of versatility.
He is very quick for his size and should have no issues guarding even the quickest NBA small forwards. With his size and quickness, he can just as easily switch off on any player from PG's to PF's when defending the pick and roll.
One of his most incredible skills are his ball handling skills, which are almost equivalent to a guard, although he does tend to over dribble occasionally. His jump shot is definitely a work in progress, but it isn't to the point where he should be called a terrible jump shooter. He hits a good percentage from the field, and is a good catch-and-shoot player; however, he's not as good a shooter off the dribble and creating shots for himself.. He needs to work on his shot selection, as he sometimes takes ill-advised shots.
This would be a no-brainer in my opinion, that is, if the first option isn't available. The Wizards are in desperate need of a player that rebounds and has a motor that does stop until the game clock reaches zero.
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom
1. SF/PF Perry Jones, Baylor
5 of 5Perry Jones has the most potential out of anyone in the upcoming draft because of his size and body build. He's built at 6'11", 220 lbs., and can move extremely fast for his size.
He's a dangerous offensive threat and an aggressive player who can run the floor. He hasn't put up the numbers a physical specimen like him would be expected to, but he's got all the tools to be a great scorer.
Jones can score from anywhere on the floor, from the NBA 3-point line to the rim. His jump shot is mechanically sound, with a good high release. His release is a bit slow, but given his size, length and jumping ability, I doubt anyone could bother to block his shot anyway. He's a pretty decent mid-range shooter now consider that he can dribble, stop, and pop. He's not consistent with his longer shots yet ... and he has not hit any of his college range 3-point shots (it's early); his form remains true even with range out to the NBA 3-point line, so with practice, he should be able to become consistent from 3.
On the perimeter, Jones shows a good defensive stance, with knees bent, arms extended. He displays good footwork and excellent quickness and has mostly been able to stay in front of his opponent in one-on-one situations. He can switch off on guards and still stay in front of them. I can see Jones being a pretty good defender in the NBA seeing how quick he moves his feet.
Perry Jones is the future of the league, and will more than likely become the superstar in many years to comes with his height and athletic advantage he has on players. Since the Wizards' season is looking like a drought right now, they should try everything that is legally possible to get this player.
NBA Comparisons: Kevin Durant/Tracy McGrady/Anthony Randoplh
