Prospect vs. Player: Would You Rather Have Kristaps Porzingis or Dario Saric?

Evaluating talent overseas has become a huge part of the NBA draft scouting process. Last summer, the Philadelphia 76ers used a lottery pick on Croatia's Dario Saric. And this upcoming June, some general manager will likely do the same on Latvia's Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis plays for Sevilla in the Spanish ACB and Eurocup, which is considered a bit less competitive than Euroleague, where Saric played this past year after signing with Anadolu Efes in Turkey

	FG Pct.	Points	Rebounds	Assists	3PT Pct.
Saric (Euroleague)	.452	10.2	6.2	2.3	.322
Porzingis (Spanish ACB and Eurocup)	.500	11.1	4.6	0.5	.373

It's still unclear as to when either will head to the NBA. But there is no mystery as to why both Saric and Porzingis have generated so much buzz.

Physical Tools/Athleticism

Saric

At 6'10", Saric's mobility stands out over his explosiveness. He's athletic—just not jump-out-of-the-gym electric. Saric plays mostly below the rim, though he's capable of rising above it off momentum. 

For a power forward, which is where he'll likely play in the pros, Saric has a quick first step that could give slower big men problems on the perimeter. However, his 223-pound frame and 6'10" wingspan aren't overwhelming.

Miguel Angel Morenatti/Associated Press

Porzingis 

Like Saric, Porzingis also projects as a power forward, only at 7'0", he's taller and more athletic. Porzingis' physical tools and lift translate to easy buckets at the rim, whether it's off cuts, offensive rebounds, lobs or transition opportunities. 

The big knock on Porzingis physically is that skinny, 220-pound frame. He doesn't quite have a body built for consistent contact down low. His 13.48 percent rebounding percentage, per RealGM.com, isn't all that impressive. For contextual purposes, it's worth noting he's a teenager playing against pros—not other college kids. 

Offensive Versatility

Though two different types of players, the allure tied to Saric and Porzingis stems from their offensive versatility. They each cover a ton of ground both on and off the ball, from the wings to the post and low block.

Saric's ball-handling, passing

Saric's ability to handle the ball and pass are what ultimately differentiates him from other forwards. Saric can grab a defensive rebound and initiate the offense before the defense can set.

He's also capable of creating for teammates in the half court or finding them as a stationary ball-mover.

In that regard, he reminds of a young Hedo Turkoglu. 

Saric's 3.8 assists per 40 minutes and 17.5 percent assist percentage, per RealGM.com, are strong numbers for a player his size. He just has an unteachable feel for the game, which translates to high-IQ passes.

He's a threat to use the dribble and get to the basket off screens and angles as well. Saric can shake and bake while maintaining the body control to finish on the move, making him a tough one-on-one cover in space.

Porzingis' Perimeter Ball Skills

Though still raw, Porzingis' skill set is tailor-made for today's NBA game. With a high, quick release, Porzingis has a promising jumper that fuels enticing stretch 4 potential. Porzingis has hit 41 threes in 47 games (37.3 percent) playing just 21.5 minutes in each. He also shoots 75.7 percent from the line, another encouraging sign for his shooting potential.

However, he's more than just a catch-and-shoot, pick-and-pop target around the arc. Porzingis can put the ball on the floor, attack closeouts and get to the basket in straight lines. And he has a developing in-between game, with the ability to separate into jumpers off step-backs, pull-ups or turnarounds in the post. 

He'll need to continue sharpening up his moves and execution, but his shot attempts can be awfully tough to contest.

Saric's Motor

Though not overly strong or long, Saric has a relentless motor on the glass. He averaged 10.4 boards per 40 minutes and registered a solid 16.1 percent rebounding percentage. 

He really goes after loose balls. Saric may have some issues with decision making, but there is no doubting his effort or intensity. Sometimes, it leads to a highlight defensive play despite his limitations at that end of the floor.

Porzingis' Defensive Potential 

With 7-foot size, above-the-rim burst and quick feet, Porzingis has defensive potential to strive to reach. He blocks 1.8 shots per 40 minutes, and he's light enough on his feet to switch or recover against pick-and-rolls. 

Depending on who's on the opposing front line, Porzingis could also end up guarding both 5s and 4s.

Saric's Post Game

Saric is an interesting weapon to use from the high post. He can back his man down and score off flips and drop steps, and he's dangerous from the elbows, where his vision, handle and mid-range touch can hurt a defense. 

Coaches aren't likely to go to Saric for inside scoring, but they may be able to run plays through him around the stripe. 

Weakness, Questions

Saric

Saric has decent form on his shooting stroke, but he hit just 31.3 percent of his threes. Dating back to his time playing for Cibona in the Adriatic League (2012-2014), he's shot below 32 percent from behind the arc in each year. 

Without the muscle to live in the paint, Saric will need that jumper to start falling to maximize his offensive potential. 

There are also questions regarding Saric's defensive outlook. He works hard and plays smart, but Saric could have trouble with stronger, more athletic bigs down low. Meanwhile, he's looked vulnerable defending the perimeter, where he lacks the lateral foot speed to keep quicker forwards in front of him.

Porzingis 

The big question with Porzingis concerns his body. Will he be able to take and finish after contact or hold his own defensively in the paint?

If he's forced into playing strictly on the perimeter, he'll have to lean heavily on his jumper, which reduces his margin for error and ultimate purpose on the floor.  It's hard not to think about Andrea Bargnani when watching Porzingis, who's more comfortable facing up from 20-plus feet away or running off screens outside the paint.

Saric Versus Porzingis 

The safer play is Saric, whose handle, passing instincts and motor are sure to translate. He isn't particularly great in any one area offensively, though, instead establishing himself as more of a jack-of-all-trades contributor than a scorer you'd feature. 

Porzingis is the bigger gamble and home run swing. 

There has to be some risk attached to his lack of strength and perimeter-oriented repertoire. Plus, Porzingis' value could take a hit as a big man who isn't a big rebounder or rim protector (Bargnani, for example). 

However, if he can add some bulk and exploit the advantage his physical tools and skill set present, we could be talking about a serious mismatch. He has the ability to score in a variety of different ways from all three levels within a defense. And at 7'0", you just aren't going to find many bigs who can stay with him laterally or challenge him vertically.  

I'd take my chances on Porzingis and his towering NBA ceiling. He has the higher upside and more natural talent to work with.

For spacing purposes, it wouldn't hurt if he landed on a roster that had a stronger interior presence at center to play off. 

Expect every team outside the top four in this year's draft to give Porzingis real thought and consideration. 

For Sixers fans, don't count on seeing Saric until the summer of 2016, when his buyout with Anadolu Efes will be available.