Official NBA Big Board 1.0
By: Sean Mason
This is a Big Board. Not a Mock Draft
1. Jabari Parker- 6’8 Forward- Duke
NBA Comparison- Carmelo Anthony
Despite a poor NCAA tournament performance Parker is still the best NBA prospect available. There is speculation that Parker will return for his sophomore season but I think the thought of being the number 1 pick will be two hard to turn down. He started the season off hot and ended hot.
2. Andrew Wiggins- 6’7 Forward- Kansas
NBA Comparison- Rudy Gay/Dominique Wilkins Hybrid
Since the injury of Joel Embiid, Wiggins has transformed himself into the player we thought he was. He struggles with an inconsistent jumper, but makes up for it with his ability to attack the hoop. Wiggins is the best defensive forward in this draft.
3. Doug McDermott- 6’8 Forward- Creighton
NBA Comparison- Paul Pierce
Doug McDermott is going to be a star in the NBA. He won’t go top 5; hell he won’t even go top 10, but McDermott can straight ball. His draft stock was hurt because he stayed 4 years in college, but it made him a better player. McDermott is white and that makes people compare him to likes of Jimmer Ferdette and J.J Reddick. McDermott is nothing like them. His first priority is attacking the hoop. He has a solid jump shot but doesn’t need to rely on it. He brings on both ends of the court. McDermott will be a star in the NBA.
4. Marcus Smart- 6’4 Combo Guard- Oklahoma State
NBA Comparison- Dwayne Wade/ Darren Collision Hybrid
Marcus Smart surprised us all by staying at Oklahoma State for his sophomore season. Despite a mid season melt down resulting in a suspension for Smart; he was able to improve his draft stalk. After returning from his suspension his shot became more consistent.
5. Joel EmbiId- Center 7’0 – Kansas
NBA Comparison- Tim Duncan
Before Embiid’s injury many considered him the number 1 player in this years draft. Embiid is a tremendous leader on the defensive end of the court. He has the quickness and ability to read an opposing offense that a point guard has. He has tremendous upside. One red flag is his back. A big man with a back injury makes many NBA teams look at him with a grain of salt.
6. Dante Exum- Guard 6’6- Australia
NBA Comparison- John Wall
Dante Exum is relatively unknown to the causal basketball fans, but to the hard-core fans he is something special. He performed tremendous at the FIBA U 19 championships in 2013. That is what really put him on the map. He is 6’6 but is a true point guard. He plays like a taller Tony Parker. If this guy went to a college their would no doubt in my mind that he would be the number 1 draft prospect.
7. Julius Randle- 6’9 Forward- Kentucky
NBA Comparison- Antawn Jamison
Julius Randle has been widely considered a disappointment this season. It’s not so much him though. The team he plays on are all ego centric one and done players who did not how to work as a team. As the season when on Randle along with his teammates improved. Randle is a big physical guy and could be a great peace to a championship team.
8. Gary Harris- 6’4 Combo Guard- Michigan State
NBA Comparison- O.J Mayo/ Allen Iverson Hybrid
The Big 10 tournament showed America Gary Harris can ball. He is an inconsistent shooter, but like O.J Mayo when he’s on, he’s on. He can be a huge help to a team but also a huge weakness. Harris inconsistent but as a role layer he might be able to help a team immediately. /
9. Noah Vonleh- 6’10 Forward- Indiana
NBA Comparison- Chris Bosh
Indiana had a very disappointing season, but Noah Vonleh didn’t let that stop him from showing that he can play in the NBA. He is a big man with the ability to hit the outside jumper. He would be higher on the board but his attitude and leadership qualities have been concerns for NBA scouts.
10. Rodney Hood- 6’8 Forward- Duke
NBA Comparison- Rashard Lewis/ James Jones Hybrid
Rodney Hood is likely done after two seasons at Duke (Sat out his freshman season). Hood showed this season he is a solid offensive player but lacks the same effectivness on the defensive end of the court. Hood is a good three-point shooter (42 Percent) but is very streaky. He sometimes takes to many shots but as a guy who can get hot quick, he will find himself with a nice role on an NBA team.
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