It seems that most everyone has an opinion on the lottery picks of this draft class. It would be nice to bump this in a few years and find out who thought what. I think that of the top prospects Parker gives me the most concern. He's extremely skilled offensively but slow and Terrible at defense. Embiid looks great aside from the injury. Wiggins is pretty unpolished offensively, but the dude is an athlete and can play defense. Also, people seem to think he's not aggressive enough, I don't know. Exum looks great to me, but no shot or D. I can see any of these guys being busts but Parker is my guess.
I personnaly dont love this draft. The top of the draft is better, but after the first 7-8 picks - I dont see many players I like. From picks 9-15, I think last year was better, and from 15 on both draft classes are about the same.
Agree with the OP, I'd be very nervous about Parker after watching the draftexpress video on his profile page: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jabari-Parker-6299/ Video makes him look absolutely clueless on defense. Other weaknesses are Shot Selection, Playing Under the Rim, and being a Tweener. These are extremely serious downsides. caveat: I haven't looked at the other draftexpress profiles this year. Can they be this bad?
Embiid is my guess. Guy has unreal talent, but I think health will be an issue. Not that I necessarily think poor health = bust though. Not a top pick, but is McDermott going to be quick enough to guard anyone or get his own shot off?
I haven't seen McDermott in play a single game, but everything I've read about him reminds me The 'Stache.
I'm not nearly as high on Stauskas as most, but he did measure out well. I'd still take Lavine over him all day. Also not a big fan of James Young. I really don't understand why Rodney Hood is considered a first round pick.
And as far as the top 3 picks, I posted this on another board yesterday: Embiid is incredibly flexible, quick, fluid. You can tell the game comes naturally to him. The back issue is a concern but if you remove that I would rank him on his own tier. He can be an incredibly impactful defensive player and his offense could become decent as well. Parker is more of a "sure thing" to contribute in the NBA. He's not a sure thing to be the next Paul Pierce or Melo, but he's got that kind of skill and upside. Looks like a horrific defender though, kind of a tweener, and I don't think he excels at making teammates better. Wiggins definitely has some Harrison Barnes syndrome. Great tools, decent raw skills, but seriously lacking in instincts. Hard to project him because he's so young, IMO he's much riskier than Embiid. As high as his ceiling is, I think he has the lowest chance of reaching his ceiling out of the top 3. IMO hes more Rashard Lewis than Tracy McGrady.
Embiid for injury fears and Jabari just on a hunch. Gotta go for Wiggins. I really think guys like Randle and Smart are going to be steals in the top 10 and should go in the top 3.
If I am the Lakers I go with Aaron Gordon @#7. I obviously see him play more than the others since he is a Pac 12 guy, but from what I can tell he has all around skills and has a high BB IQ. They all need to continue to get better, and my guess is this kid will work hard. I like his fire. No doubt this draft is deep even though I still don't think there are any Tim Duncan's or KD's out there.
Yes and some compared Shabazz to Lebron a few years ago as well. Shows you how hype can get out of hand.
Vohlen, Exum, and McDermott. I'd stay away from them. The big 3 are can't miss solid starters at the least. Embiid back is fine its now an agent tool if he wants to avoid a team. I expect him to go #1.
Noah Vonleh and Gary Harris. Vonleh isn't the next Bosh... He is a Derrick Favors kind of guy. Harris is another OJ Mayo/Randy Foye.
