Official 2012 NBA Draft Thread

Originally Posted by woody2626

Originally Posted by Mr Marcus

Expect me to get arrested if stern screw the bobcats...cause ima send threats
laugh.gif
and the same for Jordan if we do get #2 and he doesn't take beal
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Stern aint eem about to do Mike like that. If so WSPD gonna take us both
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I can't remember if it was on NT or if I heard it on the radio, but Michael Jordan is already talking about selling the team....any truth to that? 

  
 
I dead $%% had a vivid dream last night of the draft lottery and the Wizards won again. Please be a sign God.
 
Would've been great if Fabricio returned next year. Son would have been a beast. But I totally understand why he's out. Best of luck to him.
 
I was one of the first to squash the "Marquis will be/is better than Jeff" nonsense... but...
A) Jeff spent two years in college, with a green light if my memory serves me.

B) What on earth is the basis for saying he won't get better?  he got better all season.

I don't even think they're similar players. 
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  Jeff shoots much better, Marquis better true pg.

jumpshot needs improvement as does his ability to finish at the rim (the seperation from Jeff, imo)... but he was constantly considered the reason UK wouldn't win, yet delivered a very solid tourney...
 

Draft stock watch: Scouts weigh in on top prospects after tournament

Now that the NCAA tournament is over, now that the final buzzer has sounded and the confetti has ceased to fall, the real work begins. That's the case for NBA scouts, at least, who in the coming months will make order out of the madness that just ensued. They'll tirelessly dissect each college prospect's strengths and weaknesses, determining which warrant selection in the June 28 draft.

Much remains to be sorted out, but plenty has also become clear. Two scouts spoke with SI.com to offer their thoughts on college basketball's marquee event. Here are their comprehensive takes on the top prospects, breakout performers and early-entry declarations.
[h3]TOP PROSPECTS[/h3]
Anthony Davis, F
6-foot-10, 220 pounds
Freshman, Kentucky

Davis' box score from Monday's title game says it all: He can dominate while hardly scoring. Kentucky's freshman sensation tallied 16 rebounds, six blocks, five assists and three steals while shooting just 1-of-10 from the floor (six points), capping what has been one of the most remarkable first-year campaigns in college basketball history.

He won the Naismith Award after leading the nation in blocks (186), Player Efficiency Rating (35.1) and win shares (11.9). He notched 21 double-doubles, including nine in his final 13 contests. Though his offense is still developing, he's drawn comparisons to the great Bill Russell for his vaunted defensive presence.

An already surefire lock to go No. 1 in the draft, Davis has upped the ante. He's no longer just a touted prospect; he's a potential once-in-a-generation talent.

"He's the clear-cut No. 1 guy," one scout said. "In my opinion, he's the only player who's a potential franchise difference-maker."

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F
6-7, 232 pounds
Freshman, Kentucky

While Davis was the cornerstone of precocious Kentucky's championship, Kidd-Gilchrist was the engine that made the team go. His defensive versatility -- he can guard positions one through four -- bolstered the nation's top field-goal-percentage defense (37.4), and his proficiency in the open court fueled the Wildcats' tournament run. In five of six victories, Kentucky scored at least 20 points in transition.

"He attacks the rim and finishes," a scout said. "He's one of the best transition players in the country."

But does Kidd-Gilchrist deserve No. 2 consideration? Seemingly far-fetched at the beginning of the season, it's become a distinct possibility. His efficiency on the perimeter needs to improve for a wing (he shot just 25.5 percent from three-point range), but given his intangibles, don't expect MKG to fall any lower than No. 5.

"I don't think he's ever going to turn into LeBron James because he's not that gifted," the other scout said, "but he does enough of everything really, really well. His effort is always so striking. His competitive edge keeps him in that top four or five category."

Thomas Robinson, F
6-10, 237 pounds
Junior, Kansas

Monday night's outcome may have weighed heaviest on Robinson, who was seen walking off the court teary-eyed after Kansas' 67-59 loss. He was the Jayhawks' emotional leader all season, and seemingly willed the team to victory on more than one occasion. Kansas opponents shot less than 25 percent in the second half of tournament games, thanks primarily to Robinson.

"He brings so much energy and leadership, diving for loose balls and all that," a scout said. "He's a little bit undersized, but the intangibles help make up for that."

Teams would also like to see him develop an outside game, something he showed flashes of during the season (he was 7-of-14 on three-pointers). But his production, including an NCAA-best 463 total rebounds, leaves little to doubt. He's a near-lock to be a top-five pick and could possibly go as high as No. 2.

"We know he's not 6-10, which is what the program says," the other scout said. "If he were 6-10 or 6-11, he would unquestionably be the second pick. And he still may be. But size will be a question."

Andre Drummond, C
6-10, 270 pounds
Freshman, Connecticut

Drummond's underwhelming freshman campaign reached a new low in the NCAA tournament, as he fouled out in the closing seconds of the Huskies' first-round loss to Iowa State. It ended a night in which he totaled just two points and three rebounds, and closed a disappointing season in which he averaged just 10.2 points.

His size and athleticism can't be ignored, but neither can his obvious shortcomings. Lacking a polished offensive repertoire and a developed defensive presence, he could go anywhere from second to 10th -- a classic high-risk, high-reward-type pick.

"If you draft him and he fails, you look like a fool," one scout said. "But if you don't draft him and he excels, you look like a fool. It's a tough call."

Echoed the other scout: "He's the type of guy who is probably going get a GM fired for either drafting him or passing on him. The NBA is starving for guys with his physical tools, but he is a major project and years away from really being able to help a team."

Harrison Barnes, F
6-8, 215 pounds
Sophomore, North Carolina

Kendall Marshall's wrist injury did more than just derail UNC's tournament chances; it dealt a sizable blow to Barnes' draft stock. The Tar Heels' headliner was unable to generate offense in Marshall's absence. In games against Ohio and Kansas (the two that Marshall missed), Barnes shot 8-of-30 (26.6 percent) overall and 2-of-14 (14.3 percent) from long distance.

It's part of a larger trend. Dating to his freshman year, Barnes has bordered on ineffective without Marshall in the lineup. The chart below illustrates his career production in games that Marshall played at least 25 minutes (top) and those that he didn't (bottom).

[table][tr][td]Harrison Barnes' Production [/td][/tr][tr][td]Barnes' career stats when Kendall Marshall played at least 25 minutes (top) and didn't (bottom)[/td][/tr][tr][td]
[table][tr][td]Games[/td][td]PPG[/td][td]RPG[/td][td]FG%[/td][td]3PT%[/td][/tr][tr][td]51[/td][td]17.8[/td][td]6.0[/td][td]44.8[/td][td]36.5[/td][/tr][tr][td]24[/td][td]13.3[/td][td]4.5[/td][td]38.7[/td][td]31.4[/td][/tr][/table]
[/td][/tr][/table]
Barnes remains a lottery pick, but, according to the scouts who spoke to SI.com, he's fallen out of the top three. And after his lackluster March, the player once rated No. 2 in Rivals' 2010 rankings has many NBA evaluators questioning his potential.

"He's going to be a legitimate NBA scorer, but he's a catch-and-shoot guy," one scout said. "He needs to play with a really good point guard so he can get free looks."

Added the other scout: "I think his lack of creativity and ability to create his own shot were exposed. He's going to be a solid player at the next level, but I think he has limited upside."

Perry Jones III, F
6-11, 235 pounds
Sophomore, Baylor

In a season marred by inconsistency, alternating between briefs stints of greatness and long stretches of frustration, Jones was typically hit-or-miss in the NCAA tournament. He showed promise against Xavier, scoring 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, but was unimpressive against South Dakota State and Colorado, combining for nine points while going 4-of-14. He has immense upside, but he's notoriously streaky. That worries NBA teams.

"He may be the most talented player in the draft," a scout said. "He's just not consistent. You're concerned about his motor, but not his abilities."

Here's the bigger issue: Blessed with pro-ready size, speed and athleticism, Jones has yet to take over a game. Whether that's a result of his deferential personality or Baylor's system, it's troubling -- and it may cause his stock to fall into the latter half of the lottery.

"He might put up some numbers, but you never walk out of the arena going, 'Man, he really dominated,' " a scout said. "He's probably in that six-to-12 range."

Jared Sullinger, F
6-9, 265 pounds
Sophomore, Ohio State

Unlike with Drummond and Jones, there's not much mystery surrounding Sullinger's pro potential. He's arguably the most polished prospect in the low post, and his bullish strength makes him a rebounding force. But his size and athleticism leave something to be desired. They're concerns that emerged against Kansas in the Final Four.

Facing constant pressure from 7-foot center Jeff Withey, Sullinger scored only 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting as the Buckeyes surrendered a nine-point halftime lead. He'll still likely go in the top 10, but his inability to score against taller interior competition could cause him to slip on draft day. It's even spurred some evaluators to consider his outside ability.

"I think that some of the hesitations that scouts had before were magnified just because we did see his struggles versus size and length," a scout said. "He was exposed at this level, let alone at the NBA level."

Said the other scout: "He's going to have to step away from the basket. At one point in his career -- I don't know when -- I think he'll be able to step to the three-point line and make some shots. He's not going to take 500 a year, but I think he may take 100 or 120."

Bradley Beal, G
6-3, 207 pounds
Freshman, Florida

Widely regarded as a lottery pick entering the tournament, Beal vaulted himself into top-five consideration after a stellar four-game showing. He averaged 15.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and three assists during Florida's run to the Elite Eight, all while shooting 60.5 percent. Above all, he showcased versatility that's scarce among this year's guard crop.

"He has a good-looking stroke," a scout said. "He's played himself up into that three-to-seven range."

After yielding the spotlight to teammates Erving Walker, Kenny Boynton and Patric Young at the beginning of the year, Beal came into his own by the end. That's reflected in his numbers: He upped his scoring average from 13.9 at the start of the season to 15.8 points since Jan. 28, and cut his turnovers from 2.3 to 1.9 per game.

"I think he just improved throughout the season," the other scout said. "We notice things like that."
[h3]BREAKOUT STARS
[/h3]Marquis Teague, G
6-2, 189 pounds
Freshman, Kentucky

Regarded as Kentucky's weak link midway through the season, Teague emerged as an unmistakable weapon en route to the Wildcats' triumph. He was the team's third-leading scorer in the tournament (13.3 points) despite its wealth of talent, and showed his savvy as a floor general by maintaining a nearly 2-to-1 assists-to-turnover ratio.

"He really helped himself," a scout said. "He could sneak into the back of the lottery."

As with many young guards, however, he needs to hone his decision-making and three-point shot. He's been programmed to drive to the rim, a tactic that won't be as readily available in the NBA. Even with coach John Calipari's one-and-done history, he could benefit from a second season on campus.

"He's the type of guy that should go back to school, but I could see possibly with the lack of point guards in this draft for him to think twice, especially coming off a national championship," the other scout said. "He'd probably get lost on the end of some good team's bench. Those are the type of situations where you get lost in the shuffle."

Jeff Withey, C
7-0, 235 pounds
Redshirt Junior, Kansas

From a purely NBA perspective, perhaps no one had a more beneficial March than Withey. He racked up an NCAA tournament-record 31 blocks against some of the nation's premier big men (Sullinger, Davis, Tyler Zeller, John Henson), and displayed rare free-throw efficiency for a center by finishing the season at 79.5 percent. He climbed from an underrated talent to a genuine pro prospect, and is now squarely on the NBA radar.

Withey is rail thin and struggles to score outside of the paint, but he could serve as a more-than-capable second or third interior option. If he declares (which seems unlikely), he could prompt late first-round consideration given his size and defensive impact alone.

"He certainly has everybody's attention," a scout said. "We love bigs in our league, so I wouldn't be shocked if he threw his name in the draft and someone took him in the first round this year."

Royce White, F
6-8, 270 pounds
Redshirt Sophomore, Iowa State

A unique player in this year's class, White piqued significant national interest with his sparkling performances in the first two rounds. He combined for 38 points and 22 rebounds against a bevy of future NBA players from UConn and Kentucky, and wowed personnel evaluators with his dynamic ball-handling and passing.

"He's kind of a point guard mentality in a tight end's body," a scout said. "He's a big, strong guy, but he can handle the ball and see the floor."

White tends to disappear in stints and has had off-the-court issues -- he also, as the same scout noted, "supposedly has a fear of flying. That's obviously a big issue in the NBA" -- but is physically menacing and a terror in the open court. Based on talent alone, he could go anywhere from 25 to 35.

"He's explosive at times but he's not consistent with it," the other scout said. "But he intrigues me. I think he can get into the first round."

Draymond Green, SF
6-7, 230 pounds
Senior, Michigan State

Green has been on the NBA radar for quite some time now, but his standout efforts in March still deserve mention. The Spartans' forward averaged 17.6 points, 13.7 rebounds and six assists through the Sweet 16 to provide another sample of his well-rounded skill set. He's not exceptional in any one area, but he's proficient in all of them.

"He kind of reminds me of an Anthony Tolliver-type of guy who can step in, take charges, make shots when he needs to and pass the ball," a scout said. "He does a little bit of everything."

Green's consistency speaks volumes, as his efforts as a scorer, rebounder and distributor carried a Michigan State team without a go-to secondary threat to 29 wins and a No. 1 seed. After four years in East Lansing, he's finally turned skeptics into believers.

"If you were to ask me this Dec. 1, I'd say someone would take him in the 40s," the other scout said. "Now I think he's in that 26-to-36 category."

C.J. McCollum, G
6-3, 190 pounds
Junior, Lehigh

If the nation didn't know about McCollum before Lehigh's first-round upset of Duke, it certainly is aware of him now. The Mountain Hawks' junior buried the heavily favored Blue Devils, amassing 30 points, six assists and six rebounds in a shocking 75-70 win.

But McCollum's success isn't significant solely for its David over Goliath storyline. From an NBA perspective, it's important because he displayed several qualities that could translate to the next level.

"He can guard. He can rebound. He does a lot of things really well," a scout said.

After declaring a week ago (he's yet to hire an agent), McCollum stands a legitimate shot at going in the late first round. And the Patriot League's leading scorer (21.9 points) and second-leading rebounder (6.5) could continue to surprise in the pros.

"He looked like he could create off the dribble, wanted to take big shots and made big shots," the other scout said. "He put on a show against Duke. He's better than what a lot of people thought."
[h3]EARLY ENTRIES
[/h3]Kendall Marshall, G
6-4, 195 pounds
Sophomore, North Carolina

If any of UNC's three underclassmen are justified in their early exits, it's arguably Marshall, who could benefit from the dearth of quality point guards in the 2012 class. He has the best court vision of any guard coming out, and his importance was immediately clear after his wrist injury: The Tar Heels committed a combined 20 turnovers in their first two tournament games. They committed a whopping 34 in the two that he missed.

"He's an elite passer," a scout said. "Someone is going to take him in the teens or early 20s."

While his offensive adjustment should come naturally, his defensive transition could be trying. Marshall lacks the speed to hang with many current NBA point guards, and could prove to be a liability if he doesn't improve his lateral quickness.

"I think athletically he's going to be challenged," the same scout said. "When you have to guard Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook on a nightly basis, he could really get exposed."

John Henson, F
6-11, 220 pounds
Junior, North Carolina

Another distinctive prospect in this year's draft, Henson boasts the high motor that many of this year's forwards lack. He blocks, rebounds and runs the floor well, and upped his scoring, free-throw percentage and Player Efficiency Rating in each of his three years in Chapel Hill. He finally seems comfortable after the six-inch growth spurt he experienced his senior year of high school. He could make an immediate impact with his shot-blocking.

Problem is, he's still frighteningly frail. And lacking an established perimeter game (he took just 24 three-pointers in his entire UNC career), he could've benefited by adding some weight before testing the NBA waters.

"People still don't know what position he's going to play," one scout said. "He's got the size and the length to play a four or five, but his body and his frame suggest that he should be a wing. He might have been better off to come back to school."

Said the other scout: "I think he needs to go to a team that plays really, really fast. I think he can get beaten up physically in a slowed-down type game. But I think he can sneak into the back of that lottery, that 13-to-17 range."

Austin Rivers, G
6-4, 200 pounds
Freshman, Duke

Ready or not? That question may resonate most strongly with Rivers, as he's been criticized for leaving prematurely following a less-than-perfect freshman season and a stunning first-round exit. He scored consistently, but often did so inefficiently: Despite averaging 16.4 points over his final 10 games, he shot an underwhelming 38.7 percent from the floor (50-of-129).

His assets are obvious -- he's supremely confident and is a terrific penetrator -- but so are his flaws (he's undersized, can lag on defense and has a questionable shot selection). Celtics coach Doc Rivers' son is a project, to be certain, but maintains the potential to be a potent NBA scorer.

"I heard somebody say that he has more AAU game in him than he has a Duke game," one scout said. "That's actually pretty good analysis. He's a great one-on-one player and can get to the basket, but he's still learning to play within the team concept. Staying another year at Duke would've been pretty beneficial to help him do that."

Said the other scout: "He's a first round pick, but I just don't see him in the lottery."

Terrence Ross, G
6-6, 195 pounds
Sophomore, Washington

A less-heralded prospect than Rivers, Ross could have higher upside as an NBA shooting guard. He has good size for his position and pro-ready athleticism, and, more strikingly, has demonstrated his ability to score in bunches. He averaged 23.5 points over four NIT games, making the most of his lesser March opportunity.

"We were all kind of hoping [Washington] would make the tournament so we could see him a few more times on a national stage," a scout said. "But he played great. I liked him coming into the year and I still like him now."

He tends to check out defensively and force ill-advised, contested shots, but many of his issues could be resolved via coaching. He passes the eye test. Other than Beal and UConn's Jeremy Lamb, Ross may boast the most pure potential of any guard in the draft.

"If he takes good shots, he's got a chance to be a really good player," the other scout said. "I think he finds his way into the 13-to-19 range."

Meyers Leonard, C
7-1, 245 pounds
Sophomore, Illinois

Subject to a coaching change that could alter his role with the Illini, Leonard's decision to enter the draft makes sense. His college situation would feature as much uncertainty as his professional one, and he made colossal strides from his freshman to sophomore year. He more than tripled his minutes (8.2 to 31.
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and scoring (2.1 to 13.6) while showing a much-improved feel for the game.

But he's still far from a finished product. Leonard lacks an offensive presence outside of five feet and can be emotional on the court. In stretches, he's prone to lose focus.

"I think he goes through moments where he just disappears out there," one scout said. "He drifts out on the perimeter too much. I think he has a short attention span at times."

Yet, the adage holds true: In the NBA, size matters. Given Leonard's frame, youth and athleticism, his potential outweighs his immaturity. He could enter draft discussions starting in the last few picks of the lottery.

"There's such a need for size and he's a center," the other scout said. "I think he gets consideration in the teens. You could start with him in that 13-to-19 range."

Link
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I remember when this lil +#$+% Kendall Marshall was like 10 years old playing with teenagers. I feel old seeing him in the NBA draft 
 
I honestly think a Derrick Williams for MKG/#2 is going to happen. All of it depends on the team that gets the #2 though of course.
 
Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

Originally Posted by woody2626

Originally Posted by Mr Marcus

Expect me to get arrested if stern screw the bobcats...cause ima send threats
laugh.gif
and the same for Jordan if we do get #2 and he doesn't take beal
Click to expand...


Stern aint eem about to do Mike like that. If so WSPD gonna take us both
Click to expand...
I can't remember if it was on NT or if I heard it on the radio, but Michael Jordan is already talking about selling the team....any truth to that? 

  
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No truth. It was some bs report that came out and michael had to put out quotes to clear it up
 
About Sullinger:

You know what I'd be really worried about? The fact that his back might be an issue in the pros because of the whole one leg is longer than the other thing.
 
Too early to talk about the 20152014 NBA Draft?
Andrew Wiggins: Canada's Can't Miss Basketball Sensation

"I want to score like Kevin Durant and get to the basket like LeBron James," Andrew Wiggins says.

He turned 17 years old in February and yet he delivers that proclamation without sounding either conceited or stupid. There aren't many teenagers who could compare their games to the NBA's two leading MVP contenders without raising eyebrows, drawing laughs or getting criticized. But Wiggins, aside from being the consensus No. 1 player in the Class of 2014, slides smoothly into the middle of the "confident but not cocky" and "humble but hyper-talented" Venn diagram. He makes the statement and you nod.

Wiggins is a phenom in every sense of the word. He is the youngest competitor in the 2012 Nike Hoop Summit, an annual high school showcase that pits a team of American players against a World select team. Wiggins, a Toronto, Canada, native, will play for the world team. As scrimmages unfolded at the Portland Trail Blazers' practice facility this week, he looked like one of the squad's top-3 players despite being two years younger than most of his teammates.

"There's a lot of stuff I can do," he says, sitting casually after practice on Tuesday, dressed in sweats and with the most mandatory of fashion accessories, custom Beats by Dre headphones, around his neck. "I can create for other players. I can get to the basket and finish around the hoop. I can dunk it, I can shoot the [3-point] shot. I have a smooth touch with the ball... My favorite player of all time is Allen Iverson. He was undersized, 6-feet. He could score whenever he wanted to score. He single-handedly brought his team to the Finals."

Smooth is the right word. Wiggins has a professional calm when he's sizing up defenders, a steadiness beyond his years. He's hurrying but not rushing, as they like to say.

He's just finished his sophomore season in high school and isn't draft-eligible until 2015. That thought is enough to you shake your head and laugh at the system, once you see him poster a helpless defender in a 3-on-3 drill or watch him fly in from the weakside to pin a shot against the backboard, hammering it so hard that it ricochets out near the three-point line.

Measured at 6-foot-7 and 195 pounds this week, with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Wiggins aces the eye test. He looks the part of a prototypical go-to small forward and his game matches up with the visual first impression. Wiggins has handle and hops, an affinity to get to the basket and an ability to read defenders to find pull-up jumpers, plus the range and stroke to step out and consistently knock down an NBA three.

"I just want to score whenever I get the ball," he says. "Make big plays. I don't really know how else to explain it."

The package makes sense when you consider that his father, Mitchell Wiggins, spent six seasons in the NBA before playing professionally overseas. Andrew hesitates when asked if he thinks he was born to play basketball.

"Not really, but I've been around it my whole life," he says. "I remember when he was in Europe, playing in Greece, he would bring me to all their practices. I was a little, little kid, like one or two."

Basketball took Mitchell around the globe and it's doing the same for his three sons, who have all left Toronto to pursue their hoop dreams. Andrew left Canada after one year of high school to play for Huntington Prep in West Virginia, a program that has produced a number of NBA players, including O.J. Mayo, Patrick Patterson and Bill Walker. Andrew lives with a host family, more than 500 miles from his home, and commutes back to Canada "five or six times" a year to see his parents.

"I knew I was ready to come across the border and play against States people," he says of the decision to leave his parents and three sisters for Huntington. "I didn't hesitate or nothing like that."

Mom -- Marita Payne-Wiggins, a Canadian track athlete who competed in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics -- didn't push back or pump the brakes?

"We're all one, big tight family, we're really close to each other," Wiggins says. "We love each other a lot. My parents know I'm mature enough to handle myself and make the right decisions. They trust the people I'm with. My teammates go to Huntington Prep with me. I'm in a comfortable situation. I live in a house with a host family. They take care of me. I feel like I'm at home. My parents know I'm not a dumb kid. I'm a smart guy, I always put school first. You need education to go to the NBA and be successful in life."

This weekend, Andrew is away from both his home and his home away from home, thrown together in Portland with players from Croatia, China, Zambia, Poland, among other far-flung locales. His participation in the Hoop Summit as a 17-year-old isn't unprecedented, but it is unusual. The experience has been another step in reaching what were his original goals in leaving home: finding top competition in the States and gaining exposure to high-level coaching.

"The competition in America is outstanding," he says. "It's better than the competition in Canada. I dominated in Canada my freshman year so I knew I could come to America and get better competition, get better as an individual."

His overall offensive game is fairly well-honed at this point. Wiggins says his coaches now emphasize his off-the-ball play and maintaining his defensive intensity in their instructions. "Move without the ball, he says. "They say I'm too quick and athletic to be standing still. Need to learn how to move without the ball. And I like playing defense. I like trying to shut down my opponent."

Wiggins is clearly Canadian. Extraordinarily friendly and easy-going, with a slight accent and an easy smile. On the spectrum from goofy to serious, he's still edging towards the goofy side. He pushes back quickly at the idea that basketball has consumed him.

"I have friends, I have a life," he says, with a light touch of defensiveness. "When I go back home to Toronto I go with my friends, live a normal teenage life. We go to parties, we go to the mall, hang with my family, go to the rec center, listen to music, just chill."

But that personality transforms with the ball in his hands, there's no question. He locks in and the smile disappears.

"Off the court, I'm a nice guy, chill guy," he admits. "But on the court I'm trying to get that killer instinct where I go at you and kill you. I'm trying to get that on the court."

According to ESPN.com, he averaged 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.7 blocks per game for Huntington, who went 28-2 last season, and was named West Virginia's Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. Wiggins is currently ranked No. 1 in his class by Scout.com, ESPNU.com and MaxPreps.com. Simply put, he's a monster.

"I know I'm ranked No. 1 but I don't look at it like that. I know I'm No. 1 and people are coming for my spot. I always have to work hard, stay humble, work harder than everyone else."

He feels like a target, like anyone would in his situation, and he feels he gets it even worse because he's Canadian.

"[Americans] think less of us," he says, before stopping himself. "Well, not less of us, but like we're not as good as America. Put it that way."

Then he pivots: "I'm proud I'm from Canada. But especially because I'm from Canada and ranked No. 1, people might kinda hate on me... people think Canadians aren't as good as Americans. Over the past couple of years we showed them with our talent, Tristan Thompson, Corey Joseph, Steve Nash, I think we probably exposed that Canada has talent. We can go against the USA."

A moment later, he is pointing out that Huntington Prep was not invited to the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational tournament. You can see that greatness gene -- the ability to find slights anywhere and use them as fuel -- beginning to form. He says he has studied tapes of Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler even though he was born in 1995, three years after their memorable showdown in the 1992 NBA Finals. A banner honoring Drexler's retired Blazers jersey hangs in the rafters of the practice facility as he chats, but Wiggins doesn't blink or pause as he glances up at it. He's so far along the path to the NBA, already at 17, that the honor doesn't seem unreachable.

"Trying to provide for my family," he says of what motivates him to travel the globe. "I don't want my parents to work no more when I'm older. Put my children through school and everything."

He catches himself there and starts giggling.

"When I get children."

You can't blame Wiggins for getting ahead of himself. At this stage of his development, only a handful of players in recent years have been more "can't miss." That sentiment was reinforced and underlined this week with nothing but positive feedback from NBA GMs and scouts, some of whom admitted surprise that he was still three NBA Drafts away.

And that's the question you can't help but ask: How can Wiggins get to the NBA more quickly?

Andre Drummond, expected to be taken near the top of the 2012 NBA Draft lottery, attended Connecticut rather than play a final year of high school. Top class of 2012 talent Nerlens Noel recently reclassified from the class of 2013, cutting a year off of his wait time. Wiggins says that a similar move "could be a possibility" for him but that he has no definitive plans at this point.

"I'm sure there is [a way to move up]," he says. "I've never failed no classes before. My school, all my grades are on point. If anything they are above average. I haven't really thought about it... I like high school. I like the high school experience. Once you're in college, you can't go back to high school. I'm just trying to live my high school experience. I like high school."

Wiggins' very unusual high school experience takes him to the Rose Garden -- an NBA court with 100+ talent evaluators on hand and a national television audience -- on Saturday. His approach, of course, will be handle things as smoothly as possible.

"I'm coming in to play my game. I'm the youngest person in the Hoop Summit so I don't really have nothing to lose," he says. "I just want to play hard and hope I make some shots. I'm just trying to play hard. If I don't make my shots, I don't make my shots. Everyone has bad days. I know people have seen me play, they know what I'm capable of, they know my potential.

"My dad just tells me to stay humble and the sky is the limit."

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Originally Posted by DIOR PAINT

John Wall, Anthony Davis, and Andrew Wiggins are going to the deadliest trio in the L.
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if the Wiz get AD, there is no way they'll be in position to scoop Wiggins up.
 
Burke and Tony Mitchell back.

Bottom of the 1st round/early 2nd round is starting to weaken a bit.

PJ3 in.
 
Originally Posted by DIOR PAINT

I remember when this lil +#$+% Kendall Marshall was like 10 years old playing with teenagers. I feel old seeing him in the NBA draft 
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That's cause you are old Bamma
 
Originally Posted by JPZx

I honestly think a Derrick Williams for MKG/#2 is going to happen. All of it depends on the team that gets the #2 though of course.
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As a semi Wolves fan I'll take that trade.  Derrick Williams is a good player but he can't develop in Minny with Love.  The Twolves wings are horrible.  What happened to Wesley Johnson?
 
I would not give up MGK for Derrick Williams.

Not a chance. I mean, D-Will has potential - but MGK is pretty much NBA-ready; and has a higher ceiling than Derrick Wiliams.
 
Don't get me wrong AD is a great player but he is going to get ate up in the NBA. Now this can change over time, but he will have to put on some weight while maintaining his athleticism. But if his frame remains the same and they have him going against 4/5's .... dude is going to catch a body. Can you imagine him in the post against Ibaka or Dwight Howard?
 
Originally Posted by Animal Thug1539

I would not give up MGK for Derrick Williams.

Not a chance. I mean, D-Will has potential - but MGK is pretty much NBA-ready; and has a higher ceiling than Derrick Wiliams.
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why does MKG have a higher ceiling than DWill?
 
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