NBA Draft 2012: Breaking Down Best Pro Comparisons for Anthony Davis

Barring some sort of injury or off-the-court issues, Kentucky power forward Anthony Davis will be the first name you hear come time for the 2012 NBA Draft in June.

The 2012 NCAA Player of the Year is one of the most versatile big men in the draft this year with a solid 6' 10'' frame, a ridiculous 85-inch wingspan and an ability to beat you on the perimeter with a smooth jump-shot.

The way that Davis plays the game is a reminiscent of a plethora of NBA superstars—like Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh and Tayshaun Prince, to name a few.  What makes Davis so special is that he's a combination of all those players rather than being a mirror image of one.

Ahead is a breakdown of the most realistic pro comparisons for Anthony Davis. 

Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh—6' 11'', 235 lbs, 49.3 career FG%, smooth outside jumper

Anthony Davis—6' 10'', 220 lbs, 63.9 career FG%, smooth outside jumper

The major comparison between Chris Bosh and Anthony Davis is the fact that both players have smooth jumpers that can help their team spread the court.

Bosh is able to step up from the paint and hit turnaround jump-shots with ease, and that's exactly what Davis can do as well.  While Davis still has some work to put in on his jumper to become more consistent, there's no doubt that he's a seriously dangerous perimeter threat with his size and athleticism.

The one advantage that Davis has over Bosh is the fact that he's a more athletic player that has ridiculous hops that makes him a dangerous threat in the transition game and when crashing the boards.

If Davis can put a little more muscle on his 6' 10'' frame and put a little more polish on his jumper, there's no doubt that he can be just as dominant of a player as Bosh, if not better. 

Marcus Camby

Marcus Camby—6' 11'', 235 lbs, career 2.5 blocks per game and 46.7 FG%

Anthony Davis—6' 10'', 220 lbs, career 4.6 blocks per game and 63.9 FG%

The major comparison between Marcus Camby and Anthony Davis is their massive 6' 11'' frames and their abilities to be legitimate defensive forces in the paint with their defensive shot-blocking and shot-altering abilities.

Davis has more athleticism and versatility in his game than Camby does, and that's what makes him even more exciting of a prospect than Camby ever was coming into the NBA.

Davis is capable of stretching the court with his mid-to-long range jump-shot while also being able to slash to the rim with some serious athleticism.

There's no doubt that if Davis is able to put more weight on and work on his post-up offense, he will have a more productive and better career than Camby, mainly because he is a more versatile offensive player.

Tayshaun Prince

Tayshaun Prince—6' 9'', 215 lbs, 12.9 points per game

Anthony Davis—6' 10'', 220 lbs, 14.3 points per game

The main comparison between Prince and Davis is the fact that they are both large players that have a knack for hitting perimeter shots while still being able to slash to the basket from anywhere on the court.

Davis is undoubtedly a better rebounder than Prince with the potential to be a perennial double-digit rebounder in addition to a double-digit scorer.

Another comparison between Prince and Davis is the defensive pressure that both players are able to bring to the court with their long wingspans and athletically sized frames.

Ultimately, Davis is a more versatile player than Prince with an increased tenacity and strength in the paint, and that's what will give Davis the chance to be a more productive player than Prince. 

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett—6' 11'', 255 lbs, 19.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game

Anthony Davis—6' 10'', 220 lbs, 14.3 points and 10 rebounds per game

This one might seem like somewhat of a stretch, but Anthony Davis has a lot in common with the Kevin Garnett that played with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Both players are well-sized big men that bring a special athleticism and shooting ability to the game while also being legitimate forces on the defensive side of the ball.

Garnett is arguably a better, more complete offensive player, while Davis is the better shot-blocker and defender, but they still have quite a bit in common—especially if Davis is able to pack on an extra 15 to 25 pounds on his skinny frame.

With some polish and work to his post-up game, there's no doubt that Davis could have just as productive of a career as Garnett.

The one advantage Davis has over Garnett, though, is his impressive ability to block shots and alter opposing teams offensive game plans in the paint. 

Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka—Nine points, eight rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game

Anthony Davis—14.3 points, 10 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game

This year, Ibaka grabbed a triple-double with points, rebounds and blocks—an impressive feat that most players can only dream of.

Davis, however, has the skill-set to accomplish such a feat, and that's what makes him such a special player.

When comparing Davis and Ibaka, it's clear that Davis is a more complete and more versatile offensive talent. But defensively speaking, they are both equally talented players.

If Davis can put on 20 pounds there's no doubt that he can be just as productive, if not more productive than Ibaka over the span of his NBA career. 

On the right team, with the right coaching and veteran leadership, there's no doubt that Davis can develop into a versatile and productive player with skill sets from all the players mentioned on this list.