NBA Comparisons for Every Projected 2015 NBA Draft 1st-Round Pick

Now that we've had a good taste of the top NBA draft prospects in action, we can start to look at who they compare to at the next level.

Matching these young standouts with their professional counterparts helps illustrate the kind of impact they could make in the Association. For some prodigies, the future is promising.

Kentucky's Andrew Harrison reminds us of a shifty slasher in New Orleans. Louisville's Terry Rozier looks like one of the swiftest guards in the NBA. And UCLA's Kevon Looney compares to a lethal old-school/new-school hybrid.

Find out who everyone's comparison is as we break down each first-round pick.

*Picks based on Jonathan Wasserman's Nov. 13 mock draft. Some additions and subtractions were made due to increased/decreased prospect production or changes in playing time in recent weeks.

Method of Comparison

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Our predictions are based more on style of play than projected statistics, and it's important to note we aimed our comparisons on the optimistic end. Some pairings are more accurate than others, and they don't suggest the players are carbon copies.

The main factors we used when trying to make comparisons include:

Player size: Which includes height, frame and length.

Playing style: Their movements on the court, their fluidity or rigidity and tendencies.

Potential skills: What kind of ball skills or defensive skills could they display in their prime?

Role and impact: What role will they play on their pro team, and what kind of production can we expect?

Picks 30-26

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30. Michael Frazier, Florida SG (6'4" Fr.) - Danny Green

Billy Donovan's top three-point threat isn't a carbon copy of San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green, and their college careers are certainly different. However, he'll complete similar tasks and fill a similar role in the NBA.

He's first and foremost a catch-and-shoot asset, and he can also hit a pull-up jumper or attack closeouts with athleticism if need be. Frazier is starting out slowly this year (36 percent from downtown), but scouts won't question his track record and smooth mechanics.

29. Jarell Martin, LSU F (6'8" So.) - Tobias Harris

It's tough to find an apt comparison for a developing combo forward like Jarell Martin, but B/R's Jonathan Wasserman gives us a good idea of what he could look like as a pro: "Martin reminds you a little bit of the Orlando Magic's Tobias Harris—a combo forward who can take you off the dribble, score on the perimeter or fight for buckets at the rim."

28. Daniel Hamilton, UConn SG (6'8" Fr.) - Taller Jamal Crawford

Don't worry, Crawford fans. Hamilton's ball skills aren't quite at that level yet.

However, the slender UConn youngster's scoring methods and off-the-dribble shot-making deadliness are similar to the Clippers veteran. Hamilton can create buckets from any spot, as one NBA scout noted to SNY.tv's Adam Zagoria: "(Hamilton) really shoots the ball well. Good handle. Floaters, runners, pull-up jump shots, shoots the three. He’ll be one of the best freshmen in that league without a doubt, one of the best freshmen in the country."

27. Andrew Harrison, Kentucky PG (6'5" So.) - Poor man's Tyreke Evans

Harrison is not as quick as Evans, but he's stronger and a better shooter than the Pelicans guard was at his age.

Kentucky's playmaker drives and creates much like the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year; both can break down opponents shiftily off the bounce and can finish through traffic and at tough angles despite less-than-elite leaping ability. Even coach John Calipari likened Harrison's process and progress to his former Memphis pupil.

26. Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin C (7'0" Sr.) - Brad Miller

Kaminsky will earn his keep due to his inside-out skills and savvy, not athleticism (which is lacking). He can put the ball on the deck while facing up or backing down his man, and his pick-and-pop shooting range extends to the college three-point arc. He shares all these traits with former standout Brad Miller, who was one of the first stretch 5s in the NBA.

Picks 25-21

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25. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona SF (6'7" So.) - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Sporting an explosive 6'7" frame and long arms, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson projects as a strong two-way player who can attack the rim and play high-level defense.

Much like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, he effectively fills lanes and slashes without ultra-advanced handles, and he scores emphatically once he gets into the paint. His jumper is still in the early stages of development also. Defensively, he shares Gilchrist's combination of length, mobility and tangible talent.

24. Dakari Johnson, Kentucky C (7'0" So.) - Poor man's Andrew Bynum

He's not the flashiest or most dynamic player on Kentucky's roster, but Johnson has a chance to make an impact in the NBA paint due to his imposing size and expanding low-post skills.

Big Blue's big man could turn into a poor-man's version of Andrew Bynum. He's not bouncy or agile, and he does his damage with simple, strong moves.

23. Delon Wright, Utah PG (6'5" So.) - Thinner Andre Miller

Wright was a tough one to distinguish, but former Utah guard Andre Miller is a favorable best-case comparison.

Miller's playing style is predicated on timing, footwork and an awesome blend of smarts and ball skills. Wright is also an underwhelming athlete who beats his opponents by out-finessing them and making unpredictable plays to get to the rim. This comparison isn't an exact one, but it gives an idea of how Wright can serve as a rotational playmaker.

22. Terry Rozier, Louisville PG (6'2" So.) - Kemba Walker/Eric Bledsoe

Speed is the name of Rozier's game right now, and it's overwhelming his collegiate opponents. You can tell he has the burst, handles and shot-making instincts to become a solid playmaker at the next level.

His playing style is somewhere in between Kemba Walker and Eric Bledsoe, and his best-case potential is somewhere between those two as well. He'll provide an exciting mix of facilitating and scoring, plus an ample serving of intense on-ball defense.

21. Chris McCullough, Syracuse PF (6'9" Fr.) - Poor man's Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Armed with absurd length and abundant athleticism, Syracuse forward Chris McCullough has encouraging skills as a potential face-up 4-man in the NBA.

NBADraft.net's Michael Visenberg found a great comparison for him in former All-Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim. McCullough won't likely reach the production plateau that Abdur-Rahim enjoyed, but the pairing gives you an idea of what the lanky prospect can do as a rim-attacker and mid-range shooter.

Picks 20-16

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20. Sam Dekker, Wisconsin SF (6'9" Jr.) - Poor man's Gordon Hayward

Over the past year or so, Wisconsin's versatile forward has drawn some comparisons to Utah Jazz star Gordon Hayward. He may not reach Hayward's level of stardom (or pay grade), but his multidimensional impact corresponds closely to Hayward's playing style. Dekker can shoot from deep, slash athletically to the rim and collaborate with teammates on or off the ball. His NBA team will get an all-around competitor.

19. Rashad Vaughn, UNLV SG (6'5" Fr.) - Ben Gordon/Jamal Crawford

In the small sample we've seen at UNLV, Rashad Vaughn has shown a penchant for filling up the hoop via catch-and-shoot opportunities and dribble pull-ups. He's only shooting 33 percent so far from distance, but he's hitting 50 percent of his two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com.

He doesn't have the intricate dribbling skills of Crawford (few do), but he does a great job of setting up his shots off the dribble and splashing jumpers from all angles. Vaughn can also attack closeouts and get into the paint for floaters and finishes.

18. Theo Pinson, North Carolina SG/SF (6'6" Fr.) - Jason Richardson

Pinson is another Richardson, but with better ball-handling potential. He's serving a small role for UNC so far; however, we've seen flashes of three-point shooting, above-the-rim athleticism and some creativity.

Like Richardson, he can keep defenses off balance with quickness and burst toward the rim. And he's quickly developing a pro-worthy outside jumper that will open up avenues for the rest of his game.

17. Montrezl Harrell, Louisville PF (6'8") - J.J. Hickson/Kenneth Faried

Last spring, we arrived at the Hickson/Faried blend for Louisville's Montrezl Harrell. He has a lot of Hickson's skills and impact, and he also possesses Faried's explosion and motor.

While he can hit mid-range jumpers and make some moves in space, he's most dangerous when filling the lane toward the rim or crashing the glass. In 2014-15, he's averaging a backboard-thumping 16.8 rebounds per 40 minutes.

16. R.J. Hunter, Georgia State SG (6'5" Jr.) - Kevin Martin/Kyle Korver

When you mix the scoring ability and agile movements of Kevin Martin with the shooting range and defensive effort of Kyle Korver, you get an intriguing prospect like R.J. Hunter.

Entering the 2014-15 campaign, ESPN's Chad Ford (subscription required) noted that Hunter is much more than a shooter: "Hunter is a 40 percent three-point shooter who can create his own shot. And unlike many elite outside shooters, Hunter is a good athlete with terrific defensive numbers."

Picks 15-11

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15. D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State G (6'4" Fr.) - Goran Dragic

D'Angelo Russell has displayed an exciting mix of crafty stop-and-go drives, creative passing and outside shooting during his first few weeks with the Buckeyes. 

His slippery southpaw playing style is quite evocative of Phoenix Suns star Goran Dragic. They're not astoundingly athletic combo guards, but they're quick and keep defenses off balance while driving and making plays.

14. Kevon Looney, UCLA F (6'9" Fr.) - Lamar Odom/Bob McAdoo

Due to his long, rangy frame and promising ball skills, UCLA's standout freshman has been compared to Kevin Durant. That's an extreme best-case scenario and a stretch at this point.

Our comparison is still quite lofty for him. He could have the inside-out versatility of a key cog like Lamar Odom, along with the rebounding and shooting prowess of a power forward like Bob McAdoo. Looney has a chance to make his imprint on the game in several areas.  

13. Amida Brimah, UConn C (7'0" So.) - Larry Sanders

After playing a peripheral role for the 2014 NCAA champs, Amidah Brimah is a more integral piece for UConn in 2014-15. He supplies the Huskies with outstanding end-to-end mobility and rim coverage, as he can corral the ball on offense and swat it away on defense (3.2 blocks per game).

His slender physique, shot-blocking range and modest offensive wares correlate favorably to Larry Sanders of the Milwaukee Bucks. Sanders is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA, and Brimah has the wherewithal to join that club.

12. Justise Winslow, Duke SF (6'7" Fr.) - Jimmy Butler

Given Butler's breakout season for the Bulls on the offensive end, this comparison is an indication of how high Winslow's ceiling is.

That's right, Winslow has the physical tools, promising raw skills and energy to eventually make that kind of impact. He owns the motor and mobility to be a top-tier wing defender, and he has the athleticism and budding skills to score and make his teammates better.

11. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky C (7'0" Jr.) - Tyson Chandler

A strong, bouncy center who can blanket the paint and play above the rim, Cauley-Stein does most of his work without the ball.

His offensive NBA role and playing style will be in the mold of Tyson Chandler, who's mostly a pick-and-roll option or offensive rebounder. Cauley-Stein's team won't run many plays for him. On defense, he'll be an elite help-side eraser and on-ball stopper, and that's where he'll bring the most value.

Picks 10-6

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10. Caris LeVert, Michigan SG (6'6" Jr.) - Alec Burks

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman tabbed this comparison as well, noting LeVert's ability to maneuver off the dribble and find the bucket or dish to a teammate. The Michigan standout is active all over the floor, including on the boards, and he can weave through opponents or shoot from beyond the arc.

His skills and mid-range limitations are similar to Burks, but he could end up being slightly better as a shooter and scorer.

9. Bobby Portis, Arkansas PF (6'9" So.) - Rich man's Lavoy Allen/Udonis Haslem

A below-the-rim 4 who's strong and mobile, Arkansas' Bobby Portis could fill a workman role similar to Indiana Pacers forward Lavoy Allen. Portis could emulate Allen's rebounding ability and mid-range jump shooting.

However, we have to sprinkle a little Udonis Haslem in there, because Portis should become a much better defender than Allen.

8. Mario Hezonja, Croatia SG/SF (6'8", 1995) - Rex Chapman/Terrence Ross

A high-flying swingman whose shooting skills can take over a game, Mario Hezonja's NBA fit translates to a blend of two electrifying players.

His athleticism might not rival Ross', but it's readily apparent he's an aerial threat near the hoop while also supplying long-range firepower. And like Chapman, he's not lightning-quick or blessed with intricate dribbling skills, but he can generate offense and pick up momentum for liftoff.

7. Myles Turner, Texas PF (6'11" Fr.) - LaMarcus Aldridge

For Turner, the Aldridge comparisons go beyond the "Texas power forward" correspondence. He's a sturdy, long player who can back opponents down in the mid-post and sink pick-and-pop tosses like the Portland Trail Blazers star.

Turner's game also resembles Aldridge's because he's not particularly athletic; most of his production is based on his combination of size and shooting touch. In addition, he's hauling in a healthy share of rebounds (13.4 per 40 minutes). He could be his NBA team's top rebounder while carrying the workload of a featured scorer.

6. Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia PF/C (7'0") - Andrea Bargnani (better defense)

Young Latvian star Kristaps Porzingis can shoot deftly for someone his size, and he can also attack closeouts with one or two dribbles toward the bucket. We've seen flashes of offense that indicate he could be a terrific stretch big. His movements and scoring are similar to fellow European Andrea Bargnani, but we've seen stingy low-post defense that indicates he'll surpass the Italian on that end of the court.

Picks 5-1

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5. Stanley Johnson, Arizona SG/SF (6'8" Fr.) - Jimmy Butler/Ron Artest

The Wildcats star freshman doesn't look much like a freshman so far. He's an extremely strong and defensive-minded player, and he also owns great instincts and a multifaceted approach on offense.

Once Johnson gains his footing and polishes his ball skills at the NBA level, he'll look a lot like Ron Artest, who he's been widely compared to. Mix in the extra gear of athleticism and explosiveness a la Jimmy Butler, and he'll have the makings of a devastating two-way wing.

4. Cliff Alexander, Kansas PF (6'9" Fr.) - Derrick Favors/Thomas Robinson

Using his powerful 250-pound frame and aggressiveness around the basket, Cliff Alexander wears down opponents on the glass and on low-post touches. He's averaging 13.0 rebounds per 36 minutes so far this season, and it's crazy to think he's still a teenager.

His strength-based back-to-the-basket game and rebounding prowess resemble Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors, as both put a dent in opponents and finish with long arms. Alexander's mobility and fluidity could improve to the point where he can attack opponents like former Jayhawk Thomas Robinson. But make no mistake—his ceiling is closer to Favors'.

3. Karl Towns, Kentucky PF (7'0" Fr.) - Athletic DeMarcus Cousins

Towns will be able to do pretty much everything Cousins can do for the Sacramento Kings. He'll be more athletic but less powerful, and it will be a marvelous display.

With a diverse array of scoring skills and superb instincts for passing and defense, it's not surprising that Towns is considered a challenger for the No. 1 overall pick. He shares the nimble footwork and shooting touch of Cousins, and he's also a beast on the boards like Boogie.

2. Jahlil Okafor, Duke C (6'11" Fr.) - Tim Duncan

When Basketball Insiders scribe Alex Kennedy asked Okafor which NBA players he models his game after, he pointed to the Big Fundamental: "If you’re talking about my position, I love watching Tim Duncan."

His low-post playing style is cool and polished like Duncan's, as there's seldom wasted movement. Okafor uses efficient baby hooks, drop steps and mid-range bank shots. Like Timmy, Okafor is not a great leaper but knows how to foil athletic opponents.

Okafor's defensive potential also projects toward the Duncan neighborhood—not spring-loaded or feisty but strong and well-timed.

1. Emmanuel Mudiay, China PG (6'5", 1996) - John Wall

Speed, shiftiness and explosive creativity are the most dangerous aspects of Emmanuel Mudiay's game, and he's using those gifts to carve up opponents in China.

He can get anywhere on the floor via hesitation, change of direction and acceleration, much like Washington Wizards playmaker John Wall. Mudiay and Wall are also adept at elevating to finish at the tin to cap off drives. It's tough to see how the youngster's facilitation skills stack up in comparison to Wall, but his developing outside jumper might be better earlier in his career.

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