Wes Washpun Vs. Isaiah Thomas NBA Draft Prospect Analysis Evaluation

Wes Washpun vs. Isaiah Thomas

Body Type Evaluation

Wes Washpun out of UNI is a hard guy to make a comparison to. At first, Kyrie Irving jumped out to me. However, Washpun being generously listed at 6’1” made that a hard comparison to make. While Isaiah clearly has the height disadvantage (standing at only 5’9”), they have similar physical traits. Both are ridiculous jumpers, with Washpun hitting 36.5 inches on the no-step vertical and Isaiah having what is rumored to be a 38.5 inch max vertical. Washpun is considerably longer than Thomas, being 3-4 inches taller and having a wingspan of nearly 6’7” (according to hoopshabit.com), almost five inches longer than Thomas’. Washpun, despite being the taller and longer of the two, weighs about ten pounds less than Thomas. However, both are similar in that they are undersized point guards with wingspans that exceed their heights by about 5 inches.

Statistical Evaluation

Statistically, this is another interesting argument. Metrically, they are very similar. Their rebound percentage, assist percentage, steal percentage, block percentage, turnover percentage and usage percentage for their last year in college all are within a few points of each other (Washpun having the lead in all of them except turnover percentage and steal percentage, and a lower usage percentage). Thomas has the lead in true shooting percentage by .014, as well as the lead in Win Shares and Box Plus/Minus (all stats courtesy of sports-reference.com). While Thomas seems to have been the more impactful player for his team, scoring and assisting at higher averages than Washpun, Wes appears to be the more well rounded player. He was seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference in blocked shots at 6’1”, and second in the conference in points produced. Thomas was also playing with three future NBA wing men, which may have aided in his assist numbers. Regardless, both were very capable college point guards, and they were both vital parts of their team's’ success. Washpun is a more well rounded player, while Thomas is a better passer and shooter.

Film Evaluation

When you go to the film, a few things become obvious. Both Washpun and Thomas are great penetrators and finishers around the rim, and they are both extremely bouncy and light on their feet. While, as I said, I initially compared Washpun to Kyrie, the fact that Washpun has to rely on quickness and explosiveness as opposed to Kyrie having his 6’4” frame backing him up makes it a harder comparison to make. Isaiah’s college mixtape shows a ton of jumping into passing lanes, driving and juking shot blockers, and passing from the interior. Washpun is versed in all three of these things, and while Thomas may shoot a few more threes, Washpun has the ability to expand his range (if you need proof, look up Washpun’s three quarter court jumper in UNI’s upset win over #1 North Carolina). While Thomas’s flashy interior lob and drop off passes are a thing of beauty, I was really impressed with Washpun’s ability to drive, turn into the post, and find an open shooter from the painted area like a Greg Monroe.

Final Thoughts

Wes Washpun is one of my favorite sleepers in this year’s draft. As I have said, I think he could very easily be a starting point guard in the NBA one day. He compares to Isaiah Thomas in many areas, including style of play and rebounding as a shorter player. Potential landing spots for Washpun could be places like Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta, or New York, teams that either need a point guard now or are preparing for the impending loss of their current point guard but also have other needs to fill earlier in the draft. For instance, I could see Chicago addressing their needs in the frontcourt first, then going after Washpun as the possible heir of Derrick Rose. Nonetheless, I think Wes Washpun has a tremendously high ceiling in the NBA, and should get the recognition he deserves.