Kansas basketball: Evaluating Jalen Wilson as an NBA Draft prospect
Weaknesses
Defense
The problem with Wilson is that he plays like a small forward but has the archetype of a power forward. If an NBA team drafts him to play the 4, there is no question that he will struggle against bigger and stronger players down low. Additionally, his on-ball defense was not a strength in college. When matched up against iso scorers, his lack of lateral quickness will prove to be an issue.
Three-point shot
He’s not the worst outside shooter in the world, but it certainly is not a strength of his. Wilson shot 33.7 percent from range on 5.8 attempts per game last season, missing 19 threes in a row at one point. Another thing to note is that he typically only shoots off the catch and can’t create his own shot from outside very well. For him to be an important part of an NBA roster, he will need to improve his jumper significantly.
Athleticism
Aside from his quickness off the dribble, Wilson’s athleticism — or lack thereof — is what is primarily lowering his draft rankings. Even at 6-foot-8, he can hardly dunk the basketball. That won’t bode well for him in the NBA, where there are 7-foot players who move like guards. He plays in a far slower motion than most players (which works for some), but he needs to take his jumper and defense to the next level to carve out a consistent role in the NBA.
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