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2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is D.J. Wilson?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) shoots the ball in front of Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) in the second half during the Big Ten Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) shoots the ball in front of Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) in the second half during the Big Ten Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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D.J. Wilson, Michigan Wolverines, Illinois Fihghting Illini
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) looks to pass the ball around Illinois Fighting Illini center Maverick Morgan (22) in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Word

D.J. Wilson is the kind of player that will always intrigue the NBA. The league loves its athletes. And Wilson is certainly that.

He has some length that shows a lot of potential at the NBA level. With his size, he is worth giving a look out on the perimeter. He is an improving 3-point shooter and is working to become more of a stretch-4 player. The NBA will continue to develop him down that path.

But Wilson still has a long way to go. His offensive skills right now are limited to dunking along the baseline and hitting an open three. He is not going to take anyone off the dribble any time soon. That is not his game.

But often at Michigan he tried to make that his game. He tried to do more than he could and favored his 3-pointer rather than trying to use his athleticism as an advantage.

Wilson is still putting all the pieces together. He is not quite the raw mold you usually see from players of his type — he has some skills developed — but he is not quite fully formed yet either.

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Where Wilson will make an impact, and where he needs to hang his hat, is with his length on defense. Versatility is the name of the game in the NBA these days and Wilson has that locked down.

His long wingspan and reach will make him a pest on the perimeter. Defending other stretch-4s, he should be able to dig in adn help and get back out to challenge shots. That could make him a valuable role player.

And with his age and experience, Wilson should be able to step in quickly and contribute at the NBA level. There is no reason to think he would not be able to fill this role if he accepts it.

Wilson is an intriguing bundle of physical gifts and tools. The NBA will always be willing to take a chance on that. And his stock and value only seem to be growing in this versatile NBA. It would be easy to see him switching on any pick and roll involving a power forward.

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If Wilson can improve his offensive game and become a better decision maker when he has the ball, Wilson should be a strong contributor off the bench or in a defined role in the NBA.