Dec 7, 2013; Boulder, CO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Andrew Wiggins (22) drives to the basket while Colorado Buffaloes guard Jaron Hopkins (23) defends in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Colorado Buffaloes defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 75-72. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
5. Andrew Wiggins – SF – Kansas. While he was clearly the #1 high school player coming into the draft, now there are question marks. He is the best athlete of the draft class. Like Parker, he’s 6’8″ with a 7′ wingspan. At the high school level, he out-quicked and out-jumped defenders. A few times he dunked over them. He has great ball-handling in isolation play, able to get to the basket almost at will. Like Randle, he utilizes a crossover and spin moves, but the moves are so crisp and refined, there’s no defender when the spin is complete. His pull up jumpshot is effective up to 18′. His 3-point shot is in progress, but at a 33.3% clip, isn’t terrible. Under Kansas’ system, he’s not outshining his own teammates, but rather, fitting in within the system play. He demonstrates explosiveness for lob dunks and shots created off-the-ball. His speed down-court isn’t matched and he seems to reap the most benefits of transition play of all of the lottery prospects. The only doubt that has remained for Wiggins was his focus. There are times where he’s non-existent on the floor, making minimal impact. However, he is the prototype of the new NBA mold. He can switch defensively between multiple wing positions. He can outrun other wing players in transition. He’s able to create pull up jumpshots from midrange against any defender. He has bounce around the hoop that can’t be taught; whether it’s an explosive finish or hitting the offensive glass. There are multiple names that come up in comparison to Wiggins. McGrady. Marion. Pippen. He has that kind of size, length, and athletic ability. Until he gets the motor working more effectively and is able to impact every play on both ends of the floor, he’ll stay at this #5 spot. But when he does, he’ll be #1 easily. He’s a triple threat player who can be an elite defender at the NBA level. That kind of potential may be too much for NBA general managers to ignore.