NBA Draft 2014: Top 10 Forward Prospects

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Mar 27, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Aaron Gordon (11) dunks the ball past San Diego State Aztecs forward Matt Shrigley (40) during the second half in the semifinals of the west regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

6. Doug McDermott– McDermott was one of the best scorers in the history of college basketball. McDermott’s overall scoring numbers (26.7 ppg) might not translate, but his shooting will (45 percent on 3’s). McDermott is a great shooter and an underrated rebounder (7 rpg). He tested out well athletically, as he posted a 36.5-inch vertical, which certainly wasn’t expected. The problem with McDermott will be his defensive deficiencies. McDermott is too good of a scorer to become a “bust” at the next, he should be a Kyle Korver type player at worst. Expect McDermott to be selected in the No. 8-14 range of the lottery.

NBA Comparison: Wally Szczerbiak/Ryan Anderson

5. Aaron Gordon– Gordon is an incredible athlete (39-inch vertical), with the speed of a guard, and can defend nearly every position. Gordon is also a good rebounder (8 rpg) and is at his best in the open court catching lobs and finishing at the rim. Gordon also has a nice handle for a forward, which will go a long way in the NBA. Now on to the bad, Gordon is a terrible free-throw shooter (42 percent) and needs to work on his mid-range game. Another problem with Gordon is that he is a bit of a tweener and lacks small forward skills on offense and power forward size. Overall, Gordon will be a good player and is a lock to be a good defender, rebounder, and athlete. If Gordon improves his shooting he can be an all-star without question. Gordon can go anywhere between sixth and 11th in the lottery.

NBA Comparison: Blake Griffin/Shawn Marion