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Parker v Randle v Wiggins (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Soulfly3
- Start date
Soulfly3
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Randle had the best game tonight of the three. He's a force.
Wiggins is the most NBA-ready of the three - he's a blur for a player his size and is much stronger that his physique would indicate. Seems to have te highest BKB IQ of the three as well.
Parker has some great offensive tools and is fast/quick for his size, but he can't guard a chair and has no idea what a defensive rotation is.
Give me Wiggins, Randle, and Parker in that order.
Wiggins is the most NBA-ready of the three - he's a blur for a player his size and is much stronger that his physique would indicate. Seems to have te highest BKB IQ of the three as well.
Parker has some great offensive tools and is fast/quick for his size, but he can't guard a chair and has no idea what a defensive rotation is.
Give me Wiggins, Randle, and Parker in that order.
I missed most of the first game, so didn't see Randle much.
I saw the second game and between Wiggins and Parker. It's pretty clear that Parker is more polished and has a more mature and complete game, but you have to wonder what his ceiling his and how much room for improvement there is with him. It was hard to get a reading on Wiggins because he was in foul trouble and doesn't force the issue, almost to a fault. But Wiggins' athleticism does give him a clear edge in terms of potential. Either way, I liked the fact that both played within the team concept in today's game.
I saw the second game and between Wiggins and Parker. It's pretty clear that Parker is more polished and has a more mature and complete game, but you have to wonder what his ceiling his and how much room for improvement there is with him. It was hard to get a reading on Wiggins because he was in foul trouble and doesn't force the issue, almost to a fault. But Wiggins' athleticism does give him a clear edge in terms of potential. Either way, I liked the fact that both played within the team concept in today's game.
Soulfly3
Footballguy
Agree completely with all points.
Randle is a monster, I must admit... The guy is just a beast... Wiggins though, I dont know... when I watch him play he just blows my mind w his speed and positioning. Knows where to be and gets there in a flash.
People knock him that so many up his points come from the lay up and dunks... but he positions himself to get those "easy" points.
sporthenry
Footballguy
I'd probably agree with this. Parker seems to have a higher floor but less upside. On that alone, Wiggins probably goes #1. But either guys success will be dependent upon how hard they work at their games. Both guys seem to have good heads on their shoulders so it should be fun to watch from here on out.
biggamer3
Footballguy
First time seeing these kids tonight, was extremely impressed. Parker looks like a Tracy Mcgrady clone out there. Wiggins was not being featured close to enough, but he did great in just footing in and not forcing anything. Randle reminded me of a Zbo clone but not out of shape and quicker.
All three seem like can't miss kids.
Also, not a fan of that Young kid on Kentucky, he might as well be named Nick young because he was hoisting bad shot after bad shot instead of feeding the beast on his team.
All three seem like can't miss kids.
Also, not a fan of that Young kid on Kentucky, he might as well be named Nick young because he was hoisting bad shot after bad shot instead of feeding the beast on his team.
sporthenry
Footballguy
Don't see the Parker/T-Mac comparisons. I like the Melo/Pierce ones better. He won't be an above the rim player and his lateral quickness isn't great. His success will be determined by his ability to create and make that mid range shot. He'll have the post up and the outside game to do damage but if he can hit those mid range, that'll turn him into the superstar.
Also, not sure how Wiggins gets the highest basketball IQ of the 3. Most scouts would probably give that to Parker. Hard to argue against him having an advanced game for his age. The bigger issue is if he can keep improving when the defenders continue to get better.
Also, not sure how Wiggins gets the highest basketball IQ of the 3. Most scouts would probably give that to Parker. Hard to argue against him having an advanced game for his age. The bigger issue is if he can keep improving when the defenders continue to get better.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Tonight it wasn't even close. Parker stopped the ball on offense several times in the second half, settling for step-back jumpers - including one he airballed - when all the talk all week has been how easy it is to draw fouls on drives. On defense, he got sealed off repeatedly when his man was one pass away - Ellis in particular got a lot of layups with Parker in the lane. Also, Parker had no idea what to do when his man was two passes away, offering little help or rotation support when a penetrator beat his man and headed for the basket. His transition D positioning was bad, though he does get credit for getting back on D.
Wiggins only had two possessions on offense where he stopped and dribbled to set up a bad shot. The rest of the way, he kept himself and the ball moving, drawing fouls and creating space for others when he wasn't scoring. He took some fouls on defense, but he also took on a lot more defensive responsibility and didn't make as many mistakes as Parker did defensively.
Wiggins looked like he was just toughing the surface of his talent.
Parker looked like a "rich man's" Carlos Boozer. Very polished.
Randle looked like mix of Cousins and C. Anthony. Big dude that will probably lean towards playing too much on the perimeter.
Wiggins looked like the easy choice to me. Filled up the stat sheet without even looking like he was dominating. He has the physique/size/speed to really take it to another level. He can dominate the perimeter and has the size to handle himself and finish down low.
Parker looked like a "rich man's" Carlos Boozer. Very polished.
Randle looked like mix of Cousins and C. Anthony. Big dude that will probably lean towards playing too much on the perimeter.
Wiggins looked like the easy choice to me. Filled up the stat sheet without even looking like he was dominating. He has the physique/size/speed to really take it to another level. He can dominate the perimeter and has the size to handle himself and finish down low.
Abraham
Footballguy
Aside from Jabari Parker - who was handling the ball - being compared to booZer there is a shockingly high amount of good content here. Good job ffa.
All three are clearly special. I think Parker is 3 due to the awful defense. He pretty much carried Duke in the first half but he was awful on the other end.
I've said for months that Rabdle reminds me of weber and I stick with that. Not quite as good of a passer yet but he has a post game both facing and with his back to the basket. He was being triple teamed despite 3 or 4 other nba talents in white jerseys on the court.
But as big of a Randle fan as I am, wiggins looks like the one by a small edge. I hadn't seen him as much going in to last night and his speed, athleticism, iq, and "fluidity" are aomething to see. Like he's gliding around out there on ice skates attached to pogo sticks. He looked pedestrian at first and the next thing you know he is stealing the show.
All three should be special players.
All three are clearly special. I think Parker is 3 due to the awful defense. He pretty much carried Duke in the first half but he was awful on the other end.
I've said for months that Rabdle reminds me of weber and I stick with that. Not quite as good of a passer yet but he has a post game both facing and with his back to the basket. He was being triple teamed despite 3 or 4 other nba talents in white jerseys on the court.
But as big of a Randle fan as I am, wiggins looks like the one by a small edge. I hadn't seen him as much going in to last night and his speed, athleticism, iq, and "fluidity" are aomething to see. Like he's gliding around out there on ice skates attached to pogo sticks. He looked pedestrian at first and the next thing you know he is stealing the show.
All three should be special players.
Parker is not going to be an NBA ball-handler. He is not a banger either. He's a perimeter player. Boozer got a near max deal. I said Parker is a "rich man's" Boozer. Meaning a lot better. He has finesse around the rim and a solid outside shot. He can score. Not far off IMO.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Way too early to make judgements, but ....
I think Parker's body will get much better over the next few years as he matures and spends more time in a high level strength and conditioning program. He has to shed the baby fat. This will help on defense. His shot selection leaves something to be desired at times, but the ability to make contested jumpers is a very valuable skill in the NBA. IMO, his upside is Carmello Anthony with a better team attitude.
Randle's got a mean streak and great touch for a big guy. He's got a few small fundamental things to work on (tends to bring the ball down too low) but he does a whole lot right. IMO, he has the smallest range between his floor and his ceiling. I think he's a more athletic Zach Randolph. If he was 6'11 with a 7'1 wingspan instead of 6'9 with a 6'11 wingspan, I think he would run away with this thing.
Wiggins' athletic ability is obviously off the charts and he seems to keep a pretty level head. So that's obviously good. His jumper isn't broken but its not good yet. At this point, the only offensive move I've seen him make in the half court is that spin he makes going to the middle. He could be McGrady on offense combined with an all NBA defensive player if everything breaks right.
All 3 are safe picks, but if I was choosing today, I would probably take Randle. I think he's the safest. But 2 years from now, things could be different. An in-shape Parker is a totally different player and obviously 21 year old Wiggins could be scary. I'm just excited to watch all 3 play this year. They're all great.
I think Parker's body will get much better over the next few years as he matures and spends more time in a high level strength and conditioning program. He has to shed the baby fat. This will help on defense. His shot selection leaves something to be desired at times, but the ability to make contested jumpers is a very valuable skill in the NBA. IMO, his upside is Carmello Anthony with a better team attitude.
Randle's got a mean streak and great touch for a big guy. He's got a few small fundamental things to work on (tends to bring the ball down too low) but he does a whole lot right. IMO, he has the smallest range between his floor and his ceiling. I think he's a more athletic Zach Randolph. If he was 6'11 with a 7'1 wingspan instead of 6'9 with a 6'11 wingspan, I think he would run away with this thing.
Wiggins' athletic ability is obviously off the charts and he seems to keep a pretty level head. So that's obviously good. His jumper isn't broken but its not good yet. At this point, the only offensive move I've seen him make in the half court is that spin he makes going to the middle. He could be McGrady on offense combined with an all NBA defensive player if everything breaks right.
All 3 are safe picks, but if I was choosing today, I would probably take Randle. I think he's the safest. But 2 years from now, things could be different. An in-shape Parker is a totally different player and obviously 21 year old Wiggins could be scary. I'm just excited to watch all 3 play this year. They're all great.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Boozer has made 1 3 pointer in his entire NBA career. He's 266 lbs (which is probably 30 lbs heavier than Parker will end up playing in the NBA). Other than the fact that they're similar heights and went/go to Duke, I don't see the comparison.
I was way off. Looking spectacular in the first half tonight. Great sense of spacing. Puts himself in great position. Awesome.
Prince Myshkin
Footballguy
Wait, what???? You don't think one of those 3 will be the #1 overall pick? hopefully you are nitpicking over the jazz part...
tri-man 47
Footballguy
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Frostillicus
Footballguy
Parker. Worst college player of the three (worst being extremely relative) but he'll be the first pick.
Didn't see Randle or Wiggins tonight. Parker just looked so smooth. He has the intensity and high basketball IQ. His intangibles are off the charts.
What a season we are in store for. Wiggins, Randle, Parker, Smart and Gordon. The Australian kid is supposed to be right there as well. Six guys right there looking forward to next year's draft.
What a season we are in store for. Wiggins, Randle, Parker, Smart and Gordon. The Australian kid is supposed to be right there as well. Six guys right there looking forward to next year's draft.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Outstanding draft class with a lot of potential impact players, but the race for the #1 pick is over. It's going to be Wiggins.
Anyone taking Randle, Parker, Smart, or Exum at 2-5 are going to be thrilled with the value they are getting at their pick. In most drafts, Aaron Gordon or JoJo Embiid would taken third or fourth with pundits wondering if their selectors reached a little, but will seem like steals compared to what is normally available at 6-8.
But anyone saying anyone other than Wiggins is the top pick is trying to be contrarian, sending a smokescreen, or just doesn't know what he's talking about. This one's over.
Anyone taking Randle, Parker, Smart, or Exum at 2-5 are going to be thrilled with the value they are getting at their pick. In most drafts, Aaron Gordon or JoJo Embiid would taken third or fourth with pundits wondering if their selectors reached a little, but will seem like steals compared to what is normally available at 6-8.
But anyone saying anyone other than Wiggins is the top pick is trying to be contrarian, sending a smokescreen, or just doesn't know what he's talking about. This one's over.
Frostillicus
Footballguy
fantasycurse42
Footballguy Jr.
If Smart keeps up what he's doing, I think he earns his way into this conversation.
Patrick Bateman
Footballguy
Thought that Smart made a mistake by not coming out last year. Maybe not. He's been very impressive thus far.
A. Gordon goes #1 in last year's draft and is top 2 in many drafts. He's Blake Griffin.
Only seen Wiggins once. Could very well be the best of the bunch. Parker just seems like a coach's dream. When you get to the upper echelon it's the intangibles that set you apart. Will have to see Wiggins more. But Parker has elite talent and is a gamer from what i've seen. Different positions, but Duncan's athleticism is not off the charts but his intangibles are. See Parker like that as of now.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Watch Parker on defense once ACC play starts. Really watch him. Zoom in on him. The fundamentals and intangibles aren't there. He takes big risks that get steals and blocks, but he doesn't cut off angles well as a help defender and doesn't know where to stand when the ball is two passes away. His post defense footwork is terrible, and a good post offense player can create a lot of open space at the hoop when Parker fronts him. A lot of the blocks he's racked up on the OOC tomato cans were layups against Kansas, and without a big improvement on play recognition and timing he will give up a lot of layups or take a lot of fouls in the ACC.
He's good at stuff that fills stat sheets, but other than being a good rebounder for his size, he's not much at stuff that prevents opponents from scoring. Add in a tendency to settle for step-back jumpers when fouls are easy to draw on drives, not to mention plenty of offensive talent and movement from his teammates creating open space, and there's a little more unnecessary selfishness to his game than the national media is mentioning. It's not Kyrie Irving or Austin Rivers selfishness, so Duke fans won't even notice, but it's there.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Parker is an interesting case study as a defensive player. Like most elite HS players, he's gotten by on size/athleticism his entire life. 99.9% of HS players at every position need work on the fundamentals before they're ready to be a plus defender at the NBA level. So in that sense, I think its at least a little silly to dock Parker's draft status for those kind of weaknesses (especially after 5 games). Parker also has the built in disadvantage of being a tweener. Unlike Wiggins (not trying to make an excuse for why one is better, just giving an example of a guy who has a more defined position), who is a wing in every sense of the word, Parker spent most of his prep career floating between the post and the perimeter, depending on what his team needed. As a result, he's never really settled in and learned the in's and outs of one position.
That being said, stuff like being 2 passes away (I haven't watched for this sort of thing, but will) and taking proper angles are universal, and if Parker truly is bad at them, there's no excuse. The kid has played for great coaches (His coach at Simeon, the various guys he's played for at USA basketball) so if he doesn't know where he's supposed to be, that's on him. There's a lot of merit to what you're saying on that front.
But the idea that Parker is a selfish player is beyond silly. I'll buy that he needs to drive the ball more, especially with the new rules. But the kid is a phenomenal jump shooter, and a semi-contested 15-17 footer from him is a good shot that Duke will live with every time. (especially given their weakness in the post on offense) You want to call it a lack of awareness? I might buy that. But to even considering putting this kid's attitude in the same stratosphere as Austin Rivers (who wouldn't know an open roll man if the guy hit him in the face with a club) is just reaching for shock value.
At the end of the day, the draft status of these 3 guys will be determined by their offensive skill sets first and foremost. With his all world athleticism, Wiggins will be first by default. But if the team with the # pick feel that Wiggins is never going to be an above average jump shooter (his 3 point percentage is obviously good right now, but with a very small sample size) they'll dock him accordingly and then try to determine whether the offensive polish of a Randle or Parker is enough to unseat him. His supposed "lack of fire" will also play a factor long before any of Parker's current defensive shortcomings will come into the mix. Defensive fundamentals aren't rocket science. They can be taught. If Parker becomes a 24 PPG scorer in the NBA, they won't care if they have to hide him a little on defense. (but I don't think that will be necessary 2-3 years from now)
That being said, stuff like being 2 passes away (I haven't watched for this sort of thing, but will) and taking proper angles are universal, and if Parker truly is bad at them, there's no excuse. The kid has played for great coaches (His coach at Simeon, the various guys he's played for at USA basketball) so if he doesn't know where he's supposed to be, that's on him. There's a lot of merit to what you're saying on that front.
But the idea that Parker is a selfish player is beyond silly. I'll buy that he needs to drive the ball more, especially with the new rules. But the kid is a phenomenal jump shooter, and a semi-contested 15-17 footer from him is a good shot that Duke will live with every time. (especially given their weakness in the post on offense) You want to call it a lack of awareness? I might buy that. But to even considering putting this kid's attitude in the same stratosphere as Austin Rivers (who wouldn't know an open roll man if the guy hit him in the face with a club) is just reaching for shock value.
At the end of the day, the draft status of these 3 guys will be determined by their offensive skill sets first and foremost. With his all world athleticism, Wiggins will be first by default. But if the team with the # pick feel that Wiggins is never going to be an above average jump shooter (his 3 point percentage is obviously good right now, but with a very small sample size) they'll dock him accordingly and then try to determine whether the offensive polish of a Randle or Parker is enough to unseat him. His supposed "lack of fire" will also play a factor long before any of Parker's current defensive shortcomings will come into the mix. Defensive fundamentals aren't rocket science. They can be taught. If Parker becomes a 24 PPG scorer in the NBA, they won't care if they have to hide him a little on defense. (but I don't think that will be necessary 2-3 years from now)
Soulfly3
Footballguy
This is probably the one thing I hate hearing most about Wiggins. "lack of fire"
watch him vs Duke in the 4th quarter and tell me if the kid has "lack of fire". He was a monster on O and on D, and was screaming, fist pumping and all that #### that people equate to "fire"
people confuse his soft-spokenness, for a weakness. And it's not
Prince Myshkin
Footballguy
Anybody can get up for crunch time against a top program. That's not what people are referring to when they question his "fire". But is he going to be able to play at that intensity during the daily grind of an NBA season?
The issue is that he tends to be invisible for long stretches of time. He can be on the floor for 10 minutes and you not even notice him. He tends to turn it off and on, and I haven't seen that from Randle or Parker.
Now with all that said, I too think he has the highest NBA ceiling and will be the #1 pick. I think Randle and Parker will be better college players with better stat lines, but in the long run I don't see an NBA gm passing on Wiggins' potential.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Exactly. This is the criticism. (That he doesn't play hard all the time) Anyone can get up for a game like that.
Not saying I agree with the criticism. Just clarifying that that's what people are talking about.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Making semi-contested 15-17 footers is a great way to improve your draft stock.
Taking semi-contested 15-17 footers is a great way to lose college basketball games.
How many future first-rounders are playing for Duke right now? There are three 2014 first-rounders in their rotation, and maybe a 2015 or 2016 first-rounder somewhere on their bench. There's plenty of talent to spread the floor and share the ball. Duke should not have to shoot a semi-contested midrange jumper with more than 5 on the shot clock all season.
Maybe Parker will figure out how good his teammates are. It's fairly common to see a freshman get out there and play with the mindset that his teammates suck, especially if he played for a mediocre high school team. If Parker can erase just 1-2 bad shots a game and learn some defensive fundamentals, you might not notice the difference on his stat line, but you will notice the increase in point differential.
Remember, at the top here we're splitting hairs. There's definitely a repeat NBA All-Star trapped inside Parker. I just don't think he's as far along as folks are giving him credit for. I'm also open to the possibility that he will improve as the session progresses.
Taking semi-contested 15-17 footers is a great way to lose college basketball games.
How many future first-rounders are playing for Duke right now? There are three 2014 first-rounders in their rotation, and maybe a 2015 or 2016 first-rounder somewhere on their bench. There's plenty of talent to spread the floor and share the ball. Duke should not have to shoot a semi-contested midrange jumper with more than 5 on the shot clock all season.
Maybe Parker will figure out how good his teammates are. It's fairly common to see a freshman get out there and play with the mindset that his teammates suck, especially if he played for a mediocre high school team. If Parker can erase just 1-2 bad shots a game and learn some defensive fundamentals, you might not notice the difference on his stat line, but you will notice the increase in point differential.
Remember, at the top here we're splitting hairs. There's definitely a repeat NBA All-Star trapped inside Parker. I just don't think he's as far along as folks are giving him credit for. I'm also open to the possibility that he will improve as the session progresses.
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sporthenry
Footballguy
So far, both Parker and Wiggins are showing why they shouldn't be #1 this year. I know Wiggins has the flu but 4 turnovers and not being very aggressive 2-5 from the floor, 1 rebound and no assists.
Meanwhile, Parker continues to take terrible shots. 7-21 from the floor taking tons of unnecessary 15 footers early in the shot clock.
Neither of these guys are very good defensively but that isn't why these guys are going to be drafted anyways.
Meanwhile, Parker continues to take terrible shots. 7-21 from the floor taking tons of unnecessary 15 footers early in the shot clock.
Neither of these guys are very good defensively but that isn't why these guys are going to be drafted anyways.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Having seen Wiggins play a few games without the flu and two games with it, the #1 thing he can do right now to improve his game is rid himself of the flu. In the Atlantis games he's looked like an SF with slightly above average quickness, but compared to his other games he's looked like he's been stuck in quicksand.
Not sure how to fix Parker's flaws. He's played against two good teams so far, and in both games he had a tendency to stop the ball on offense and didn't guard anybody on defense.
Want to see more of Randle against good competition. Looking forward UK's game against Louisville in a few weeks.
If there's anyone in CBB that deserves to be in this discussion who isn't in the thread title, it's Marcus Smart. Lots of ways he can make teams better, and fantastic from the neck up, too.
Not sure how to fix Parker's flaws. He's played against two good teams so far, and in both games he had a tendency to stop the ball on offense and didn't guard anybody on defense.
Want to see more of Randle against good competition. Looking forward UK's game against Louisville in a few weeks.
If there's anyone in CBB that deserves to be in this discussion who isn't in the thread title, it's Marcus Smart. Lots of ways he can make teams better, and fantastic from the neck up, too.
fantasycurse42
Footballguy Jr.
Smart outplaying all 3 by a decent margin so far this season.
Rushmore
Footballguy
I've seen each of Parker's games this season, sans the non-televised UNC-Asheville game. Last night was the worst I've seen of him and found myself at one point towards the end of the game wondering if he was helping or hurting the teams comeback attempt. I still love the kid and think this team is going to be dangerous as the season progresses. I think Andre Dawkins was under-utilized last night, and should've been in there late in the game.
Prince Myshkin
Footballguy
Randle is averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds with a double-double in his first 7 games
TLEF316
Footballguy
Parker had a poor game last night. He definitely forced some jumpers and put himself in some bad spots that allowed for easy double teams (and turnovers as a result). His shot selection certainly needs work. Can't dispute that.
But at the end of the day, Wiggins is going to be drafted over Parker for 1 reason and 1 reason only. (unless Parker continues to put up 33% shooting nights with 5 turnovers) He's more athletic. Period, end of story. I'm really not sure why you feel the need to turn this into a deeper issue. It just seems silly to go to these lengths to point out all these "flaws" in Parker's mental game (which can obviously be fixed. He's 18).
Wiggins is the better pro prospect because his parents passed down superior genetics. It's science.
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Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Yeah, Randle is a beast who will put up big numbers every night. He might be sharing the floor with some knuckleheads, but I'd love to have him on my team.Randle might not have the highest ceiling of the names at the top of this draft, but he's got the highest floor. Big scoring doesn't always translate well at the next level, but there's always a spot for a guy who pulls down tough rebounds. And if you find both in the same player, you've got an All-Star.Randle is averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds with a double-double in his first 7 games
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
It's largely in response to the narrative that Parker has this ginormous BKBIQ that isn't supported by how he plays. I'm also exploring the possibility of a greater shift regarding the Duke program that is outside the scope of this thread.
I'm onboard with your earlier statement that offensive skills and potential will largely determine the fate of the top of the draft - NBA defense is so physically demanding, many teams will hide and protect their best offensive players on defense to preserve their stamina. So Parker may enter an NBA environment where his lack of defensive development won't matter. But Wiggins is also 18 and he's exhibited sophisticated defensive skills and recognition that Parker hasn't. IMO defense is a state of mind. It's something you commit to in order to help your team win. When I see a disinterested defensive player on the court, I can't help but project selfish tendencies upon him. Obviously there are physical limitations to a player's defensive ceiling, but there's a ton of human helicopters in the game who can't generate stops.
Wiggins is a potential NBA All-Defense award winner because he has great genetics. But he's a great college defender right now because he wants to be one. Plus, Parker wouldn't be drawing comparisons to guys like Paul Pierce, Carmelo Anthony, and Grant Hill if he wasn't an extraordinary athlete. The only things stopping him from becoming a great defender are his own willingness to create stops and his coach's willingness to let him expend the necessary energy on defense to do so.
TLEF316
Footballguy
I'll buy the bolded portion. In the end, maybe Parker is just a disinterested defender who is content to be a 1 dimensional player. Its certainly possible.
Wiggins is certainly the better defensive prospect. No question about it. However, I still think Parker's "tweener" status is a big part of why he doesn't appear to "get it" on defense. Defending the post and defending the wing are two totally different skill sets. Right now, he's stuck between them. Hell, we know he's not a center but that's the position he was defending for a big portion of last night's loss. Wiggins is a pure wing. He's always been a wing. He's always going to be a wing. As a result, he only has to know how to defend wings. And his insane quickness lets him cover up mistakes. You don't have to know your rotations as well if you can get to the spot twice as fast as everybody else.
As far as Parker's game signaling some sort of change in Duke's philosophy...I don't buy that for a second. They've never had a player (let alone a freshman) with Parker's diverse and polished offensive skill set. He's getting a little extra rope right now in terms of shot selection and I think that's ok. When you have a guy that can do that many things, you don't reign him in. You let him figure it out for a little bit and slowly adjust. It may cost you a little bit in November, but if everyone else figures out how to play with him, (and he learns what he can and cant do) it could pay off big time in March. This is assuming he continues to shot closer to 50% instead of the 33% he shot last night.
