Andrew Wiggins vs. Shabazz Muhammad

[eliteballer]

Who is the better prospect and why?

[IGOTGAME]

Wiggins because he is a freak athlete with more potential

[Linspired]

jabari parker from chi town

[SilkkTheShocker]

Shabazz is so overrated

[EnoughSaid]

Shabazz Muhammad is a MONSTER. Dude is going to that next SUPERSTAR caliber player. Can't wait 'til next year. :bowdown:

[dbk123]

i really believe that these two are gonna be the next lebron/kobe or maybe wade

[RIP CITY]

I haven't seen a TON of either guy but I have watched 2-3 highlight video's of each and I think Wiggins is the better player. More athletic certainly, he's a better finisher, better slasher and has good form on his jumper. Not sure about either of them defensively obviously, highlight reels don't show much defense.

[steve]

If anyone is interested, this is the game they played in against each other earlier in the year. 2012 Nike Hoop Summit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmmK7FU43U8)

[Rowe]

Shabazz is an absolute monster.

The 1 thing nobody notes is the fact we have never had any left-handed player with as much athleticism, explosiveness, & overall scoring ability that Shabazz Muhammad posses in NBA history. He is going to be a matchup problem on any level because its common knowledge that it is tough to guard a lefty. But its probably near impossible to guard a player who can beat you off the dribble going left and explode to the rim off of 2 steps.

Like I said, we have never seen it in the NBA.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Shabazz is an absolute monster.

The 1 thing nobody notes is the fact we have never had any left-handed player with as much athleticism, explosiveness, & overall scoring ability that Shabazz Muhammad posses in NBA history. He is going to be a matchup problem on any level because its common knowledge that it is tough to guard a lefty. But its probably near impossible to guard a player who can beat you off the dribble going left and explode to the rim off of 2 steps.

Like I said, we have never seen it in the NBA.

Lebron is left handed.

[DTreats]

Ben Howland says that Muhammad is the best player he's had at UCLA, that's huge.

Kobe said that Muhammad has 'intangible skills' that can't be coached, "He's an elite talent, can't wait to see him at the next stage"

I'll say ShaMwow.

[lilgodfather1]

Lebron is left handed.
So is Tristan Thompson I believe, but they both play right.

[DuMa]

Shabazz is an absolute monster.

The 1 thing nobody notes is the fact we have never had any left-handed player with as much athleticism, explosiveness, & overall scoring ability that Shabazz Muhammad posses in NBA history. He is going to be a matchup problem on any level because its common knowledge that it is tough to guard a lefty. But its probably near impossible to guard a player who can beat you off the dribble going left and explode to the rim off of 2 steps.

Like I said, we have never seen it in the NBA.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhjj6ZBeOs0&list=PL98BCF7EF7E90736B&index=3&feature=plpp_video

comeon son

[Rowe]

Lebron is left handed.

Doesn't shoot or play to his left.

[steve]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhjj6ZBeOs0&list=PL98BCF7EF7E90736B&index=3&feature=plpp_video

comeon son

Well, it does help his argument in that Ginobili has proven to be very difficult to guard.

[RedBlackAttack]

There have been lots of great left-handed players... David Robinson was a southpaw. Chris Bosh is a lefty, isn't he? Ginobili, obviously... Chris Mullin, Toni Kukoc, Lamar Odom, Michael Redd, Damon Stoudamire... Another current very good lefty is Goran Dragic.

We'll see what kind of game Muhammad has, but I'm not ready to say that he is the first of his kind when those kinds of proven players have come before him.

[Rowe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhjj6ZBeOs0&list=PL98BCF7EF7E90736B&index=3&feature=plpp_video

comeon son

Re-read my post.

You're absolutely kidding yourself if you think prime Ginobili is the in the same tier of athlete that Shabazz is.

Shabazz is a pure explosive athlete off the dribble with an improving jumpshot. As I said above, we have never seen that kind of left-handed athlete on the perimeter in NBA history. Plenty of great lefty's including Ginobili, but not the kind of player that Shabazz is now and projects to be.

[RedBlackAttack]

Re-read my post.

You're absolutely kidding yourself if you think prime Ginobili is the in the same tier of athlete that Shabazz is.

Shabazz is a pure explosive athlete off the dribble with an improving jumpshot. As I said above, we have never seen that kind of left-handed athlete on the perimeter in NBA history. Plenty of great lefty's including Ginobili, but not the kind of player that Shabazz is now and projects to be.
We'll see... I think it is a little early to anoint him the most talented left-handed player in the history of the NBA when he hasn't even played a single collegiate game yet.

There was a time when Felipe Lopez was called the next phenom in basketball... then he played against more talented competition and... :confusedshrug:

Maybe Shabazz will live up to his billing, but your position is a little too bold for me at this stage.

[DuMa]

Re-read my post.

You're absolutely kidding yourself if you think prime Ginobili is the in the same tier of athlete that Shabazz is.

Shabazz is a pure explosive athlete off the dribble with an improving jumpshot. As I said above, we have never seen that kind of left-handed athlete on the perimeter in NBA history. Plenty of great lefty's including Ginobili, but not the kind of player that Shabazz is now and projects to be.

give the kid time to grow. i honestly dont see what hes done yet to merit this kind of talk when he hasnt even played the collegiate level yet. he could be great. i happen to think he could be a more explosive player than what james harden is right now.

until then, lets not base your opinions on what Shabazz 'projects' to be.

[stallionaire]

Doesn't shoot or play to his left.

He attacks left all the time. :facepalm

[Rowe]

There have been lots of great left-handed players... David Robinson was a southpaw. Chris Bosh is a lefty, isn't he? Ginobili, obviously... Chris Mullin, Toni Kukoc, Lamar Odom, Michael Redd... Another current very good lefty is Goran Dragic.

We'll see what kind of game Muhammad has, but I'm not ready to say that he is the first of his kind when those kinds of proven players have come before him.

But I never did declare him the greatest left-handed basketball player.:confusedshrug:

I was explaining that there had never been this kind of player on the perimeter who can go left and finish with such power & explosion off the dribble. Lefty's are tough to guard and many of the lefty's who became good perimeter scorers in the NBA did so with a lot of craftyness in their game. When defending them they do have an advantage as far as a quicker ability to adjust their shot in air before a defender has a chance to contest the ball. The difference with Shabazz is that he has that same advantage except when he gets in the air he is going to finish over you with 1 or 2 hands off of 1 or 2 steps. Most players do not expect an athlete like that going left and aren't sure how to contest it, a guy like Josh Smith of about 6 years ago might be the closest example to what I'm describing although he has a different skill set to Shabazz.

[Rowe]

He attacks left all the time.

......and finishes with his right hand.

What makes that any different from other players who do the same thing?

[RazorBaLade]

I watched a little of that video, I dunno. Bazz seems like a shot jacker thats a little out of control. I can't hate the statline but that last play before the crazy bennet 3 was ridiculous, what a joke.

[Suckafree]

Steven Adams

[Rowe]

We'll see... I think it is a little early to anoint him the most talented left-handed player in the history of the NBA when he hasn't even played a single collegiate game yet.

There was a time when Felipe Lopez was called the next phenom in basketball... then he played against more talented competition and... :confusedshrug:

Maybe Shabazz will live up to his billing, but your position is a little too bold for me at this stage.

Never said he is the most talented left-handed player.

Just saying we've never seen a lefty on the wing with the the amount of pop he has which is rightfully compared to a young Richard Jefferson. While he may not have played a college basketball game, there is a skill set there that makes him unique for what we've seen in the NBA & college basketball.

A lot of how good he'll become on the NBA level depends on him continuing to improve his ballhandling, jumpshot, and going to his right to cut down on the predictability in his game.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Doesn't shoot or play to his left.
Yeah I just pointed that out to support your point that being able to finish with the left with athleticism can be really tough to guard.

[midatlantic09]

I haven't seen Wiggins play a full game yet, but I think that Muhammad is very overrated. I've watched a few games of his, and while he's a very good player, there's nothing about him that gives me reason to believe he'll be a star in the NBA; but rather a career starter who maybe ends up having 1-2 all-star appearances.

[Killbot]

Shabazz because that name is badass. :bowdown:

[BIG FURB]

I remember hearing all this hype about shabazz, then I watched the nike hoop summit and ended up being far more impressed with Wiggins. The kid looks like he's gonna be the next great one

[bdreason]

I haven't seen Wiggins much, but Shabazz is the real deal, and will make an immediate impact in the NBA.

[IGotACoolStory]

It's Wiggins by a very large margin.

He was playing at the Peach Jam (one of the most prestigious AAU tournaments) this past weekend against the top prospects and nearly every scout there raved about him and said he should be in the NBA right now... As a junior in high school. He's going to reclassify, though.

He had a matchup against #2 ranked Julius Randle who is a 6-10 physical BEAST. He outweighs Wiggins by a good 40 pounds.. SG against PF. I mean the guy is basically high school LeBron James when he drives to the rim, which is what he does all game. Wiggins went out and guarded the shit out of him. Then in the second half he took the game over and dropped about 26 points and 8 rebounds... In the second half alone to take the game into overtime and then win.

What's special about Wiggins is that he already has that mid-range J going, he can shoot outside, he wants to defend the best, he'll block you twice on one end and then take it himself in a one man fastbreak and dunk on the team at the other end (which he did at the Peach Jam). He also doesn't take his teammates out of the game. His dominates while in the flow of the game, which is something very unique for a high school kid so much more talented than most of his peers.

Wiggins is the best prospect since LBJ. Bookmark this because in two years, your eyes will be opened.


Here's a reel from the Peach Jam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRxaHP4f9d8

And here's highlights from the game I was talking about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYpwWYw7lvc

Both he and Randle are beasts, doe.

[qrich]

Kyle Anderson >>

[midatlantic09]

Kyle Anderson >>

Joke? I don't know if that dude will even start in the NBA. He's very slow and lacks athleticism.

[qrich]

Joke? I don't know if that dude will even start in the NBA. He's very slow and lacks athleticism.

Shabazz is the obv pick but I'm expecting Anderson to have a bigger impact in Westwood. Plus, a 6'9 PG is sure to get a ton of looks and would do well starting on a few teams (Hornets next to 6'3 EJ)

[IGotACoolStory]

How is Bazz the obvious choice?

Wiggins is younger and *arguably* already better. He can go left.. and right. He's a way better playmaker, he doesn't force his offense when it's not there (a big problem of Bazz), he's actually a triple threat player and doesn't just drive left all game...

People need to watch the two play actual games instead of falling for the hype. Wiggins is on another level, and partly because Bazz is overrated. Bazz isn't even on the same level as Jabari. Heck, for the future I would take James Young over Bazz.

[bdreason]

Watching those HS games and I all I could think was, "this is more physical than the NBA". :facepalm

[EnoughSaid]

So Wiggins will hopefully be in the 2014 draft?

[Joshumitsu]

They'll be like VC/T-Mac, only better because of their fire/motivation.

Kyle Anderson will be a steal to whichever team drafts him.

[midatlantic09]

They'll be like VC/T-Mac, only better because of their fire/motivation.

Kyle Anderson will be a steal to whichever team drafts him.

No.

[PyrrhusX]

I hope orlando tanks hard and gets either.
Both are going to be incredible players in the future.

[BoutPractice]

Watching the Randle/Wiggins duel, Randle reminds me of Michael Beasley while Wiggins looks like a Paul Pierce/Scottie Pippen hybrid.

Randle seems like the type of player who will dominate in college, where he could be a double double machine, but Wiggins has better NBA potential.
In particular, Randle might become something of a defensive liability at the next level, whereas Wiggins has the makings of a two-way player.

As for Shabazz, I'm not sold yet. A lot of high school players (even those who end up being very efficient) tend to jack up the wildest shots imaginable, I need to see him in college to form an opinion of him as a decision maker.

[entropy35]

Trust me on this, Wiggins is the better prospect. More athletic (HS lebron level), better skill set.

[ukfan22]

lot of people overrating Bazz's athleticism/explosiveness in here

it's not bad or anything, but he's nowhere hear a Wade or Rose level. Maybe Harden.

[Punpun]

Wow, seems like you guy are overrating the **** outta highschool prospects. It's all about Noel anyways.

[midatlantic09]

lot of people overrating Bazz's athleticism/explosiveness in here

it's not bad or anything, but he's nowhere hear a Wade or Rose level. Maybe Harden.

Yea, I think many people are just going along with what they read on a few other sites or whatever. No way can one actually watch Muhammad play and say he has athleticism like Rose, Westbrook, or even Wade. If anything, he's closer to James Harden or Ginobili than Wade/Rose as far as talent and athleticism goes.

That said, I don't think he'll end up becoming a superstar like he's being predicted to be. However, I think guys like Wiggins, Julius Randle, Jabari Parker, Ricardo Ledo, Rodney Purvis, Rasheed Sulaimon, and Kris Dunn will all end up being better NBA players than Muhammad.

[Punpun]

Wait 2 second mid. Ginobili is more talented than Wade/Rose. He has to be since he doesn't have their otherwordly athleticism.

[midatlantic09]

Wait 2 second mid. Ginobili is more talented than Wade/Rose. He has to be since he doesn't have their otherwordly athleticism.

:roll: :lol

[alenleomessi]

shabazz seems like a slightly better version of james harden

[VeeCee15]

Jabari Parker looks like fatmelo anthony verions 2.0.

Same style same size same..everything.

Not an elite athlete

[Punpun]

:roll: :lol

I just saw what you did. Nice of you to shit on one of the most talented SG to grace the court.

:yaohappy:

[heavensdevil]

Wiggins with ease.

[Snoop_Cat]

Haven't seen too much of Wiggins but Shabazz is super one dimensional

[steve]

shabazz seems like a slightly better version of james harden

This would be a clear cut All-NBA player and making a run at the best shooting guard in the game.

[Ikill]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhjj6ZBeOs0&list=PL98BCF7EF7E90736B&index=3&feature=plpp_video

comeon son
:eek: :eek: I never knew he was that athletic i don't know how people can watch that and not think he's a Wade/Rose level athlete.

[CelticBaller]

Kuran Iverson is better than both

[veilside23]

Kuran Iverson is better than both


who is he ??


i think parker is better than Bazz.... Wiggins is better than both..

[Rowe]

Yea, I think many people are just going along with what they read on a few other sites or whatever. No way can one actually watch Muhammad play and say he has athleticism like Rose, Westbrook, or even Wade. If anything, he's closer to James Harden or Ginobili than Wade/Rose as far as talent and athleticism goes.

Nobody is putting Shabazz in that level of Rose, Westbrook, or Wade.

He's more of a power explosive player like a young Richard Jefferson or a Jason Richardson. As he continues to improve other aspects of his game he could be a dangerous offensive option because he's already cited as one of the best defenders on the HS level. That reputation won't change much as he heads to UCLA to play for Ben Howland and his system.



That said, I don't think he'll end up becoming a superstar like he's being predicted to be. However, I think guys like Wiggins, Julius Randle, Jabari Parker, Ricardo Ledo, Rodney Purvis, Rasheed Sulaimon, and Kris Dunn will all end up being better NBA players than Muhammad.

Why not?

He has a great work ethic that is NBA ready for a 18 year old kid. Same thing with a guy like Harrison Barnes in which they continued to put in work to become an Elite HS prospect instead of relying on just physical tools.

Now, you can make an argument that Barnes will always be limited by his lack of Elite athleticism but there isn't much of an excuse for Shabazz. Maybe the question would be if he continues to grow whether or not he he is a SG or SF.

[Rowe]

So Wiggins will hopefully be in the 2014 draft?
Yes.

Parker & Wiggins probably 1-2 in that draft.

Its so rare that 2 Elite prospects come out in the same year for us to have a rivalry we can look forward to for a long time.

[IGotACoolStory]

Most people I talk to seem to think Randle will be 2 and done.

He's kind of an interesting draft prospect in that he's should be a PF in the NBA. His skill set is that of.. Well to be honest he kind of reminds me of Tyreke Evans or Lance Stephenson in terms of how he plays offense. He's plays point forward on his AAU team, but in college there's a strong chance he will need to develop some kind of post moves. He's built like a tank and is a good athlete with a head start, but for the most part he plays below the rim. He likes to bully his way against high school guys and obviously that won't work often in college and even less in the pros.

So he's kind of a tweener right now (could and should develop into a beastly PF, hopefully), not a great athlete, he was measured not along ago and he's isn't long... Basically he doesn't fit the mold of your typical one and done player. At least the ones drafted in the high lottery.

[Grinder]

I've seen both a few times but not enough to know their games inside and out. Wiggins stands out to me a lot more than Shabazz. One of Shabazz's biggest strengths is that his body is advanced for his age and he's able to power his way to the rim and is a bit of a man among boys at the high school level. Wiggins already has a very complete game and freakish athleticism and looks like he's not done growing yet. I haven't seen a wing prospect that has as much potential him in a long time.

I think Shabazz will be an all NBA type but Wiggins could reach Wade/prime T-Mac level superstardom.

Also, I don't see all the hype of Nerlens Noel. From the times I've seen him play, his offense is pretty raw and he doesn't have great hands. He's got great defensive potential but it's hard to see him ever being a consistent 18 ppg scorer. I like Cody Zeller as a prospect a lot more. For the '14 class, there's this kid named Ilimane Diop from Spain I saw play at the u19 European Championships that could be a monster defensive big man. He's already near 7 feet with a ridiculous wing span and decent touch around the rim.

[Rowe]

Most people I talk to seem to think Randle will be 2 and done.

He's kind of an interesting draft prospect in that he's should be a PF in the NBA. His skill set is that of.. Well to be honest he kind of reminds me of Tyreke Evans or Lance Stephenson in terms of how he plays offense. He's plays point forward on his AAU team, but in college there's a strong chance he will need to develop some kind of post moves. He's built like a tank and is a good athlete with a head start, but for the most part he plays below the rim. He likes to bully his way against high school guys and obviously that won't work often in college and even less in the pros.

So he's kind of a tweener right now (could and should develop into a beastly PF, hopefully), not a great athlete, he was measured not along ago and he's isn't long... Basically he doesn't fit the mold of your typical one and done player. At least the ones drafted in the high lottery.

There is still some time on that.

Remember, Renardo Sidney was a guy with a similar hype to him in HS where he was attempting to play as a Point Forward despite being the size of a Power Forward. Then he went ahead and got fat within a year letting the hype go to his head.:lol

I think Randle will still be a 1 & Done. When you look at the programs he is looking at then there is a great chance whether at Kentucky or UNC for him to step in and immediately make an impact. He's not a traditional player at the PF position but neither was Antoine Walker, before he too got out of shape.

[Rowe]

I've seen both a few times but not enough to know their games inside and out. Wiggins stands out to me a lot more than Shabazz. One of Shabazz's biggest strengths is that his body is advanced for his age and he's able to power his way to the rim and is a bit of a man among boys at the high school level. Wiggins already has a very complete game and freakish athleticism and looks like he's not done growing yet. I haven't seen a wing prospect that has as much potential him in a long time.

I think Shabazz will be an all NBA type but Wiggins could reach Wade/prime T-Mac level superstardom.

Also, I don't see all the hype of Nerlens Noel. From the times I've seen him play, his offense is pretty raw and he doesn't have great hands. He's got great defensive potential but it's hard to see him ever being a consistent 18 ppg scorer. I like Cody Zeller as a prospect a lot more. For the '14 class, there's this kid named Ilimane Diop from Spain I saw play at the u19 European Championships that could be a monster defensive big man. He's already near 7 feet with a ridiculous wing span and decent touch around the rim.

What about Mario Hezonja for 2014 in Europe?

Apparently he played great in the FIBA U-17's and confirmed his spot as the top player in his class in Europe. Or at the very least the scouts were proclaiming he was that along with being the best young prospect in Europe.

[dyna]

1) Andrew Wiggins
2) Jabari Parker
3) Julius Randle
4) Shabazz Muhammad

[ZenMaster]

I've seen both a few times but not enough to know their games inside and out. Wiggins stands out to me a lot more than Shabazz. One of Shabazz's biggest strengths is that his body is advanced for his age and he's able to power his way to the rim and is a bit of a man among boys at the high school level. Wiggins already has a very complete game and freakish athleticism and looks like he's not done growing yet. I haven't seen a wing prospect that has as much potential him in a long time.

I think Shabazz will be an all NBA type but Wiggins could reach Wade/prime T-Mac level superstardom.

Also, I don't see all the hype of Nerlens Noel. From the times I've seen him play, his offense is pretty raw and he doesn't have great hands. He's got great defensive potential but it's hard to see him ever being a consistent 18 ppg scorer. I like Cody Zeller as a prospect a lot more. For the '14 class, there's this kid named Ilimane Diop from Spain I saw play at the u19 European Championships that could be a monster defensive big man. He's already near 7 feet with a ridiculous wing span and decent touch around the rim.

You seen Rasmus Glarbjerg play?

[IamSofaKing]

I'd take Wiggins, Bazz seems like a chucker to me plus Wiggins looks like he would bring more than just offence

[JBull]

2 great young talents yall. but i got to say andrew wiggins will be the better player