As I am sitting on my couch watching the Louisville-Duke game, I figured I would finally get to Duke's draft prospects and where I see them in the upcoming or future drafts. I believe they have a few NBA players but they aren't as overwhelming as Kentucky. They have the same amount of McDonald's All-American's as Kentucky has though.
Jahlil Okafor - #1 pick in next draft
He is as polished on offense of a big as there has been in the draft since Tim Duncan. He has great moves and counters to them. He looks like he lost some weight since last year and is running the floor a little better than he did last year in HS. One concern I have is his lateral foot speed. He isn't very good defending screens and that is probably why Duke is playing zone today vs. Louisville.
NBA Comparison - Al Jefferson
Justice Winslow - Mid 1st Round whenever he leaves
I love his game. Ultimate glue guy. Struggles with inconsistency on his shot but if he can become more consistent with his shot he could be in the NBA for a long time. Very willing defender and capable for covering 1-3.
NBA Comparison - Kawhi Leonard/Tony Allen
Tyus Jones - Late Lottery to Mid-20s whenever he leaves
Great point guard offensively. I got to see it first hand last year when he gave us fits the first game of the year. His shot has gotten better every year and I expect that to continue. He has great vision and really knows how to play. Can get by anyone he wants whenever he wants. It looks exactly the same whether he is playing against Louisville or Burnsville HS. Two concerns for him are strength and willingness to move laterally consistently. I think he can cover but he has never needed to consistently.
NBA Comparison - skinnier version of Chris Paul/Jose Calderon
Quinn Cook - Late second to underrated
I like his game and he has adjusted to playing more off the ball this year. I think he'll get a shot because of his shooting ability but I'm not sure where he fits in the NBA.
Comparison - John Lucas III/Tauraen Green (former Florida guard on Championship teams)
Matt Jones/Rasheed Suliamon/Grayson Allen - Euro players
I think all these guys are the close to the same type of players. Good shooters and can get streaky but will have similar careers to DeMarcus Nelson, who is playing in Greece for Panathinkakos in Athens.
