Denver Nuggets NBA Prospect Preview: Intro
By Evan Wheeler
5. Skal Labissiere, F, Kentucky, Fr./6’11”, 225 lbs.
Like his teammate Jamal Murray, Skal Labissiere is a player who seems to be placed all over draft boards. DraftExpress has him ranked 6th and CBS Sport has him ranked 9th currently. A definite fall for a prospect who was number one on a lot of boards coming into the collegiate season.
Labissiere has struggled this season for Kentucky, receiving his fair share of criticism in his freshman campaign. He’s averaging only 8.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, while playing only 13 minutes per game over Kentucky’s last six outings. I still believe Labissiere’s upside is tremendous and should make him a top five selection.
Although much of Labissiere’s struggles this season have been his own doing, I think more of the blame should be placed on Kentucky coach John Calipari. Calipari and his staff haven’t done Labissiere many favors, not utilizing him in the right way and helping him play to his strengths.
He reminds me a lot of LaMarcus Aldridge given his ability to shoot and score on the low block, having the stroke to hit fadeaway jumpers over either shoulder. Labissiere must get stronger, tougher, and improve his timing as a shot blocker, but his offensive versatility at 6’11” will intrigue many NBA teams.
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