3. D.J. Wilson, Michigan
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
Assessment:
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
Fit with Heat:
Wilson 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.