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NBA: Progress Reports On Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker

By Jared Brownlee

Oct 19, 2014; Tulsa, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Tulsa, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The preseason is winding down and the 2014-15 regular season now less than a week away. This year’s draft class was one of the deepest in recent history, highlighted by the freakish athleticism and potential of Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, who looks like he’ll be an impact player from day one.

Below, we take a quick look at how each of them has played so far this preseason. (Games played through Oct. 21)

Oct 7, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) posts up against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) posts up against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Wiggins- Minnesota Timberwolves

Wiggins, the top pick in the draft, has started all four games for the Timberwolves at shooting guard, scoring double digits in all but one game. Offensively, he’s raw and still a work in progress, but he has shown a quick release on his jumper and is already a highlight waiting to happen in transition with Ricky Rubio as his point guard.

The athleticism and the potential is there for him to be a complete offensive player in the mold of a young Tracy McGrady. His numbers so far: 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists.

Until his offensive arsenal develops (ball handling, penetration, a consistent jumper), his impact will be much greater on the defensive end. Wiggins’ best game was the first game against the Indiana Pacers where he finished with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal.

He flashed his ability to be a lockdown perimeter defender with his 7-foot wingspan. Because of his length, he will be able to use that to his advantage when ball handlers do beat him off the dribble. The way he contests shots, it’s almost as if he can be a rim protector as a small forward, something the league has rarely seen before.

Grade: B-

 

Oct 11, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Jabari Parker- Milwaukee Bucks

After five games, Parker is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Deemed the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft class, he’s wasted no time showcasing his versatility at either forward spot.

He scored 18 points against Cleveland last Friday, displaying the type of offensive repertoire that we’ve seen from Carmelo Anthony, whom he gets compared to the most. Parker’s showing was impressive as he knocked down multiple step back jumpers and finished inside the paint a few times as well.

He then played his most complete game against the Timberwolves with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in 35 minutes.

Simply put, Parker looks like a veteran already and has been every bit the standout in this draft class that the prognosticators thought he would be. He’s the heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year because of it. Though he’s not an elite athlete, his size and wingspan make him a tough matchup for both forward spots to defend.

It will be a focal point this year for coach Jason Kidd to develop Parker into the Bucks franchise player for years to come.

Grade: A-