Michigan forward D.J. Wilson is a sleeper in the NBA Draft who could fill a lot of needs for the Miami Heat.
D.J. Wilson is one of the fastest risers in the NBA Draft, and his blend of size, agility and athleticism could make it hard for him to slip out of the first round. He came on strong toward the end of Michigan’s season, averaging 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 2.0 blocks in 33.6 minutes in the final seven games of the season ranging from the Conference to the NCAA tournament.
Wilson is an incredibly fluid athlete for a player his size and, while he doesn’t do anything great, he does a little bit of everything. His shooting motion should translate to the NBA for respectable range, and his length and quickness makes him perfect for today’s defenses that demand players be able to switch between bigs and guards.
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Position: Forward
Age: 21
Height/weight: 6’10’’, 234
Wingspan: 7’3’’
Season averages: 11.0 PPG, 5.3 REB, 1.3 AST, 1.5 BLK
Shooting splits: 53.8-37.3-83.3
Strengths
Wilson is nearly the prototype for a forward you want in today’s NBA. He plays with his face to the basket, more like a guard than an old-school big. His handle is well developed, especially for his size, and his versatility will allow him to play and defend multiple positions.
In his last game in college, Wilson made four of his eight 3-pointers in a loss to Oregon in the NCAA tournament, and was Michigan’s most dynamic player against one of the most talented teams in college basketball. Wilson should be able to make open 3s in the NBA, having made 37 percent of his 110 attempts last season, and eventually develop an off-the-dribble game.
Weaknesses
While Wilson’s guard-like skills are enviable in players his size, he doesn’t play up to his position. Wilson leaves a lot to be desired as a rebounder and interior defender. It’s unclear if he’s a stretch-4 or a lanky 3. Depending on where he plays in the NBA, opposing teams with bruising bigs (they still exist) could pin him under the rim. If the 3-point shot isn’t cut for the NBA, it’s unclear where on the floor Wilson can get his points.
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Assessment
The raw skills and size are there for Wilson to become one of the steals in this NBA Draft, but it’s entirely dependent on his development. Wilson’s floor is rather low. At worst, he could end up being an awkward fit as a tweening forward, who can’t body up bigs or stay in front of perimeter players during long possessions.
However, at best, Wilson could end up being one of the most versatile defenders in the draft, with the length to get off whatever shot he wants. If Wilson taps into the vast upside he has, he becomes a player that unlocks a bunch of interesting lineups for the team he plays for. He’s been compared by some to Lamar Odom and Tayshaun Prince.
Fit with Heat
If the Heat want to take a big swing with the 14th pick (or trade down and nab multiple picks) Wilson makes some sense. He would provide Miami with much-needed length, and could play a backup role anywhere between the 3 and 5. He’s like a longer Okaro White with more upside. He could develop into a pick-and-pop partner for Goran Dragic and the Heat’s other young guards, as well as a secondary ball handler if he develops his passing and court vision.
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There will likely be players higher on most boards available when the Heat pick, but Wilson checks off a lot of boxes. It would be a bold pick, but one that could ultimately pay off.