2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Dariq Whitehead
Overview
Dariq Whitehead is among the most decorated high school players in recent memory. The 18-year-old won Mr. Basketball USA and was awarded the Naismith Prep Player of the Year award in 2022 while also being the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP that season. More strong play at Montverde Academy, the Nike Hoops Summit, and the Jordan Brand Classic led Whitehead to be a top recruit at Duke. Whitehead needed foot surgery before coming to Duke, and he had a second surgery on the same foot within the past few weeks, confirming speculation that he was far from healthy throughout his freshman campaign. Whitehead still averaged 8.3 points per game while burying 42.9 percent of 3.5 three-point attempts per game at Duke.
Analysis
Whitehead’s game possesses serious explosiveness and attacking that was not displayed at Duke. He is likely better perceived from his pre-college film than his Duke film. Whitehead has a tall, thick, muscular frame that allows him to absorb contact, and he can work both on and off the ball. Defensively, he has off-ball instincts and a long wingspan to jump in passing lanes and get some blocks.
Projection
Whitehead is a lottery-level talent. He’s projected to be healthy for the start of the upcoming season. He missed time early in his career with foot injuries, but a silver lining is its positive impact on his shooting craft and footwork. He could slip in the draft to a playoff contender, and with the proper development and nurturing of his body, Whitehead’s ceiling is among the highest in the draft.
— Profile by RotoWire