Lakers Mock Draft List, #7 Pick
By Mike Garcia
Mar 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Andrew Wiggins (22) lays the ball up past Eastern Kentucky Colonels guard Marcus Lewis (12) in the second half during the 2nd round of the 2014 NCAA Men
1. Andrew Wiggins – Andrew Wiggins is the best athlete available with great measurements. What makes him different is, he is able to be highly effective on the basketball floor despite having limited fundamental skills. He’s not the best ball-handler. He’s not the best finisher, yet. But, he does the simple things very well and that’s what makes him scary. Pull up jumpshots from 20′ are the norm. Beating everyone downcourt in transition is expected. He’s also an elite NCAA defender with a great motor, who uses his wingspan and energy to compete on the backboard as well as shutdown offensive wing players. There is enormous potential there, and it’s too much to pass up.
Mar 21, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) shoots the ball against Mercer Bears forward Jakob Gollon (20) in the first half of a men
2. Jabari Parker – I’ve had Jabari Parker as far down as fourth on my list and put him in his proper place at #2. He has the measurements for the power forward position. He’s also an above average athlete at either forward spot. If he’s slotted at power forward, he’s quicker and faster than most. If he’s slotted at small forward, he’s stronger than most. What makes him so tough to defend is his combination of guard-skills at the forward position. He reminds people of Carmelo Anthony, with the way he’s able to create shots from 20′, operate at the high-post and slash, or operate on the low block and take advantage of smaller defenders. He’s simply the most polished player of the draft. He’s underrated in terms of team defense, but individual defense can improve.