A former five star recruit, Dariq Whitehead’s freshman season got off to a rocky start with a pair of foot injuries. Still, he managed to find ways to impact the game in his niche role at Duke. On the year, he averaged 8.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1 APG, 0.8 SPG, and 1.4 TOPG in 20 minutes per game on splits of 42/43/79. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Dariq Whitehead
Height/Weight: 6’6.5/217
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’10/8’7.5
Hand size: 10
Position: SG
Pre-Draft team: Duke
Tools: Shooting, athleticism
Pros:
- Outstanding jump shooter from any spot
- Shoots well both off the dribble and spotting up
- Good recovery ability on defense
- Good motor
- Quick first step
Cons:
- Needs to improve guide hand on jumper release
- Had more turnovers than assists
- Can often pass first, think second; game has to slow down for him
- Still a bit raw on defense
- Needs to prove slashing ability and finishing at the rim
Swing Skills:
- Playmaking
- Health
Summary:
While Dariq Whitehead is one of the top shooters in the Draft, he will have to prove two point scoring ability, primarily as a slasher and finisher at the rim. With a quick first step & a great frame, this should be something NBA teams can focus on to unlock his upside that made him a preseason top five prospect.
As a shooter, Whitehead is capable both as a spot-up shooter and self-creating shooter. As he develops his handle, he will become a more lethal shot creator which would be a big part of unlocking his high ceiling. Look for Whitehead to be an off-ball threat in his early years, then growing into a more on-ball role as he earns the trust of whichever organization drafts him in the following years.
Defensively, Dariq Whitehead has the ability to be a strong defender, given his strong recovery ability & knowledge on rotating off-ball. He can be beaten easily by quick first steps & unexpected fakes by ball-handlers, so as Whitehead develops and learns how to guard more advanced moves, his defense should easily be above-average. With effort, athleticism, and size, Whitehead should be able to develop into a good defender, as long as his work ethic is strong.
Overall, Dariq Whitehead has a high upside with a good floor as an off-ball player that can develop into a positive defender given he goes to the right situation. Look for Whitehead to climb draft boards after the Draft Combine if his health checks out.
Similar to: Will Barton, Khris Middleton, Bojan Bogdanovic, Desmond Bane
Projected draft range: 11-18
Expected role: Off-ball threat with some defense early on, then growing into on-ball ability.
Unplayable if: Unlikely to become unplayable, but a worst case scenario for Whitehead is if he is a one-dimensional player as a shooter that doesn’t develop as a slasher or defender.
Exceeds expectations if: Defense translates, and point guard skills develop in the NBA.
Miscellaneous Synergy Stats:
Catch & shoot 3s: 45.3%
Off the dribble 3s: 36.4%
Runner: 25% (2/8)
Videos:
Shot chart:
