NBA Preview: 2014-15 NBA Rookie Class Studs And Duds

Mar 8, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) follows through on a dunk against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

STUD

Jabari Parker, F Milwaukee Bucks

To some, Jabari Parker will be an absolute star in this league as well. In fact, some think he will be better than Wiggins. On the other hand, some aren’t too sold on him — I am in this category. Taking nothing from him, I do think he will be a good player in this league, which is why he still classifies as a stud to me. Offensively, he is the best but defensively he needs arguably the most improvement.

Basically, he may reach his full potential faster than Wiggins and stay there. Meanwhile, Wiggins will continue to get better and better.

What Parker is that Wiggins isn’t though, is being ready to play right away. Parker is a very skilled player both on the wing and on the block, which sets him apart from everyone else in this draft. He has an above-average jump shot that could use some improvement, but overall is the most skilled player in this entire draft class.

Statistically, he will be the best player in this year’s class and is my prediction for Rookie of The Year. The only concern for me is can he establish a defensive mindset. What will hurt him is not having an experienced coach to mentor him. Bucks’ head coach Jason Kidd will have a huge task at hand and that will be to bring out the best in his rookie.

Parker is the face of the franchise now, so it will be very important that he learns as much as he can from the staff and his teammates.