2016 NBA Draft Prospects: Star Comparisons for Top 20 Players
Creating pro-player comparisons is an exercise used to paint a picture that portrays an NBA draft prospect's style of play, ceiling and floor.
I ranked my top 20 based on the potential they've flashed and the development they've shown through roughly 10 games of the 2015-16 season. And for each, I highlighted a pro (or pros) they resemble.
Since no two players are exactly alike, some prospects were assigned comparative blends—or two pros who together cover that prospect's strengths and weaknesses. A few of the younger prospects just getting started were given worst- and best-case projections.
20. Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt
1 of 20
NBA Comparison: Amir Johnson/Alex Len (blend)
Damian Jones' size and athleticism have led to NBA buzz over the past eight months. At 7'0", 245 pounds, powered by above-the-rim activeness, Jones looks the part of a pro center.
And he's flashed the ability to score in the post with various moves and shots, from up-and-unders to fallaways over his shoulder.
But he hasn't tied it all together just yet. Like Alex Len, the skill set is there, just not the consistent execution. Jones' bounce more closely resembles Amir Johnson's, but the 20-year-old junior still has a lot more room for growth.
19. Diamond Stone, C, Maryland
2 of 20
NBA Comparison: Jusuf Nurkic/Zach Randolph (blend)
At 6'11", 255 pounds, Diamond Stone blends size and overwhelming strength with bounce and soft hands. He's an interior big man with a back-to-the-basket game equipped with over-the-shoulder jump hooks.
And in doses, we've seen Stone flash some touch on mid-range jumpers (also 23-of-30 from the line).
His ability to mesh a punishing style of play with finesse could remind some of Zach Randolph and Jusuf Nurkic—two bruising low-post bigs that can shoot from the elbows and short corners.
He'll have to improve his defensive alertness, but Stone could be on the rise after his 16-point, nine-rebound effort against Connecticut on Dec. 8.
18. Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor
3 of 20
NBA Comparison: DeMarre Carroll
Taurean Prince's image has grown since the summer, when he emerged as a regular contributor for USA at the Pan American Games.
With 6'7", 220-pound size, his physical tools already ace the eye test. And his offensive game continues to develop. Prince went for 30 points Dec. 6 in a win over a talented Vanderbilt team. He's added three-point range and mid-range scoring with pull-up and pull-back jumpers.
This year, he's shown higher passing IQ and playmaking skills with 28 assists through eight games (42 total last year in 33 games).
He doesn't project as a go-to option, but like Toronto Raptors small forward DeMarre Carroll, Prince has the ability to guard both wing positions, knock down outside shots and get to the rack opportunistically off drives and leak-outs.
17. Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State
4 of 20
NBA Comparison: Danny Green/Brandon Roy (blend)
Denzel Valentine has taken his game to a level that's made his athletic limitations somewhat easier to overlook.
He isn't the quickest or most explosive, but Valentine has solid 6'5", 220-pound size for a 2-guard, as well as convincing shooting range, ball-handling skills and passing IQ.
Though he acts as Michigan State's primary decision-maker at the point, Valentine is likely to spend more time off the ball in the pros, given his lack of blow-by burst and lethal three-point stroke.
He shares similar role-player tendencies with San Antonio Spurs sharpshooter Danny Green, while his ability to facilitate and pass might remind some of former Portland Trail Blazer Brandon Roy.
With early-season averages of 18.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 3.0 threes made, Valentine has emerged as one of the biggest risers in this year's draft conversation.
16. Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey
5 of 20NBA Comparison: Evan Fournier/Marco Belinelli (blend)
Furkan Korkmaz hasn't seen consistent minutes abroad, but impressive play during previous FIBA tournaments should be enough to keep him first-round relevant.
At 6'7", Korkmaz combines smooth athleticism and bounce with versatile shot-making ability and shooting range. So far on the year, he's 17-of-37 from deep despite being given little chance to build much rhythm.
Like Orlando Magic wing Evan Fournier, Korkmaz can be crafty off the dribble, while his ability to play above the rim is more reminiscent of Sacramento Kings guard Marco Belinelli.
15. Stephen Zimmerman Jr., C, UNLV
6 of 20
NBA Comparison: Greg Monroe/Josh McRoberts (blend)
Stephen Zimmerman Jr. stands out under the NBA lens with 7'0" size, some bounce and an inside-out offensive repertoire.
While he's done most of his scoring so far by finishing, Zimmerman has flashed shooting touch and promising footwork around the basket.
And he's rebounding at an extremely active rate early on, having pulled down 14.2 boards per 40 minutes through his first nine games.
In terms of his athleticism and shooting range, he might remind some of Josh McRoberts, while his offensive fundamentals, passing and struggles with rim protection make others think of Greg Monroe.
14. Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame
7 of 20
NBA Comparison: Eric Bledsoe
At 6'1", 198 pounds, Demetrius Jackson's punch packs power and explosive athleticism—similar to what Eric Bledsoe delivers for the Phoenix Suns.
Physically, Jackson compensates for lack of height and length with strength, quickness and above-the-rim bounce. So far, he's converted 61.4 percent of his shots inside the arc after making 55.7 percent of them as a sophomore.
While the ability to play through contact and over traffic helps in terms of creating separation, a proven jumper really strengthens his NBA case. Jackson shot at least 41 percent from three in each of his first two seasons, and he's already 15-of-35 (42.9 percent) through nine games this year.
Bledsoe might be more potent in terms of his playmaking, but Jackson is a sound decision-maker (5.8 assists, 2.1 turnovers per 40 minutes) and passer.
13. Cheick Diallo, PF/C, Kansas
8 of 20
NBA Comparison: Kenneth Faried/Clint Capela (blend)
Cheick Diallo's game and value revolve around high energy and athleticism. He's raw and limited offensively and, for now, isn't an option to feature.
Listed at 6'9" with a monster 7'4" wingspan, Diallo's length, fluid wheels and bounce translate to easy buckets off guard penetration, lobs, offensive rebounds and transition opportunities.
He has a strong nose for the ball and the ability to make plays off of it.
We're likely talking about a Clint Capela-Kenneth Faried type of contributor who finishes, crashes the glass, blocks shots and runs the floor.
12. Timothe Luwawu, SG/SF, France
9 of 20NBA Comparison: Iman Shumpert/C.J. Miles (blend)
Timothe Luwawu was on draft radars last year but chose to keep his name out. It will be tough for him to pass on NBA interest this coming June if he continues to score and shoot the way he has so far in the Adriatic Basketball Association.
Luwawu, an athletic, 6'7" wing, is averaging 15.2 points with 2.5 made threes per game at a 37.6 percent clip. He's developed a nice pull-up game and spot-up jumper to go with capable handle.
Like Cleveland Cavaliers 2-guard Iman Shumpert, Luwawu offers the lateral quickness and length to guard positions 1 through 3, while his new-and-improved shot-making ability and confidence could make some think of Indiana Pacers wing C.J. Miles.
11. Ivan Rabb, PF, California
10 of 20
NBA Comparison: Chris Bosh (ceiling)/Ed Davis (floor)
With 6'11" size, 7'2" length, quick feet, good bounce and phenomenal hands, Ivan Rabb has established himself as an easy-bucket and rebounding machine.
Per 40 minutes, he's averaging 19.8 points and 13.3 boards on 65.8 percent shooting.
Like Ed Davis, a worst-case-outcome comparison, Rabb projects as a big who can provide interior activity in the form of finishing, crashing the glass and shot-blocking.
But we've also seen flashes of offensive skill, from his back-to-the-basket moves to his touch at the high post and elbows. The fact that he's hit 27 of his first 36 free throws (75 percent) suggests promising shooting potential.
Though still more of a long-term project, there is plenty of upside to chase with Rabb, who'll have to add bulk and continue polishing his scoring attack.
10. Caris LeVert, SG, Michigan
11 of 20
NBA Comparison: Jamal Crawford
In terms of his eventual transition to the pros, there is a lot to like about Caris LeVert. At 6'7", he has excellent size and ball-handling skills for a 2-guard, along with a proven jumper that should keep him afloat—regardless of how well the rest of his game translates.
After making at least 40 percent of his threes as a sophomore and junior, he's hit 20 of his first 46 attempts as a senior. Like Jamal Crawford, he's on the skinny side, but LeVert can stroke it from deep and catch fire. But he's also prone to going cold, like we recently saw against SMU, when he finished 1-of-13 shooting.
Still, arguably the most compelling aspect of LeVert's game is his ability to pass and facilitate, whether it's off drive-and-kicks or pick-and-rolls. Though Crawford is known for his scoring, don't forget he averaged at least four assists six different times.
9. Jamal Murray, PG/SG, Kentucky
12 of 20
NBA Comparison: Eric Gordon
After dropping 30 points at the Nike Hoop Summit and lighting up the Pan American Games for Canada, it's no surprise that Jamal Murray has emerged as Kentucky's leading scorer.
Like New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon, Murray just has a knack for getting buckets despite lacking great quickness or athleticism. He compensates with the ability to change speeds, improvise around the basket and connect from outside.
And though we haven't seen consistent shooting yet, all signs point to Murray eventually establishing himself as a dangerous pull-up and spot-up threat.
However, Murray has relied on a difficult shot selection early on, leading to a 39.4 percent field-goal clip through 10 games. Without significant blow-by burst or explosive above-the-rim bounce, he settles for tough looks.
His decision-making has also been questionable, as evidenced by his one-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio (31 of each).
Murray isn't likely to ever have trouble putting up points, but remaining efficient will ultimately be his biggest challenge.
8. Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette
13 of 20
NBA Comparison: Kevin Love/Julius Randle (blend)
With advanced offensive skills and NBA-friendly inside-out versatility, Henry Ellenson has made a name for himself early.
At 6'10", 245 pounds, he has traditional power forward size and a nose for the ball on the glass, where he's averaging nine rebounds after his first full month. His presence under the boards, as well as his post game and shooting touch, have already begun fueling comparisons to Kevin Love.
Both players compensate for average athleticism with sound fundamentals. Ellenson has a promising over-the-shoulder post game and a convincing jumper, which has connected on 50.8 percent of his two-point attempts and nine threes in 10 games, per Hoop-Math.com.
But like Los Angeles Lakers big man Julius Randle, Ellenson can also take a defensive rebound coast to coast and handle the ball facing up.
Chances are he'll never be much of an impact defender, but Ellenson's sharp offensive skills seem tailor-made for today's NBA.
7. Kris Dunn, PG, Providence
14 of 20
NBA Comparison: Reggie Jackson/Emmanuel Mudiay (blend)
Arguably the toughest current cover in the country (16.8 points, 6.9 assists), Kris Dunn's size, length, quickness and athleticism bode well for his eventual college-to-pro transition. Like Reggie Jackson is for the Detroit Pistons, Dunn can be a nightmare off the bounce, where he changes speed and direction and finishes difficult runners and layups.
Both players ultimately use shiftiness and huge wingspans to their advantage. Dunn has also established himself as a premier perimeter defender. His pressure and activity cause disruption and help force turnovers (finished fourth in the country in steals last year, averaging 3.4 per game as a sophomore).
Dunn's weaknesses are ultimately highlighted by questionable decision-making and shaky shooting touch—two areas Denver Nuggets rookie Emmanuel Mudiay has struggled in early.
6. Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, California
15 of 20
NBA Comparison: Jimmy Butler/Stanley Johnson (blend)
Jaylen Brown offers similar size (6'7"), strength (225 pounds) and athletic ability to Chicago Bulls wing Jimmy Butler. Best-case outcome: Brown develops into a comparable two-way scorer and defender.
He's at his best attacking the rim, whether it's in transition or the half court. Brown is already taking 10.4 free throws per 40 minutes early on. With a quick first step and low, tight handle, he's a threat to drive out of ball screens or isolation, and he's tough to deny both below and above the rim.
At this point, Brown's perimeter game remains somewhat behind. He's missed 24 of his first 32 threes and a whopping 28-of-33 two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com. Brown is capable and confident from outside, but like Butler, who made just 36 threes in 106 college games, it could take a few years before Brown emerges as a viable go-to option.
5. Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah
16 of 20
NBA Comparison: Timofey Mozgov/Jonas Valanciunas (blend)
Jakob Poeltl's 7'0" size, mobility, defensive tools and soft hands should make him a fairly safe bet on draft night. Even if he prematurely plateaus, his interior presence should still hold NBA value.
Like Timofey Mozgov does for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Poeltl should naturally establish himself as a pick-and-roll target, high-percentage finisher and putback machine on the offensive glass.
But if his new-look post skills and volume production represent a sign of more to come, Poeltl has the chance to resemble Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas on offense.
So far this season, Poeltl is averaging 20.1 points and 9.8 rebounds on 69.8 percent shooting. We've seen impressive back-to-the-basket moves and improved free-throw-shooting touch (he's made 47 free throws in nine games after making 55 total last year), as well as the ability to improvise and finish among interior traffic.
4. Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia
17 of 20
NBA Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis/Joakim Noah (blend)
Not too many 7'1" rim-protectors with jumpers, ball-handling skills and passing instincts come to mind. There really isn't any one good comparison for Dragan Bender, whose potential versatility is off the charts.
Bender is somewhat similar to New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis in that he operates around the arc, where he's capable from three and a threat to put the ball on the floor.
But Bender has already shown more in terms of his ability to create off the dribble. Though not explosive, he's mobile and nimble, which also translates to defensive versatility (blocks shots and switches out in pick-and-roll coverage). That, along with the idea he can facilitate from the 15-to-20-foot range, might make some think of Chicago Bulls big man Joakim Noah.
Bender is super skinny (weighed 216 pounds at Eurocamp in late spring) and doesn't project as a go-to scorer, but you won't find many prospects that cover this much ground.
3. Skal Labissiere, PF/C, Kentucky
18 of 20
NBA Comparison: LaMarcus Aldridge (ceiling)/Cody Zeller (floor)
In terms of size and skill set, Skal Labissiere resembles San Antonio Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge—a high-post scorer with back-to-the-basket moves and face-up shooting touch.
Labissiere has a promising jumper and the ability to shake and bake from the elbows down to the low block. But at this stage, he has a long way to go before approaching his All-Star-level ceiling.
At 225 pounds, he's struggled with physicality in terms of separating, finishing and holding his ground after contact.
Still, at this point in Labissiere's career, you can't put too much stock in his early-season struggles when projecting his long-term potential. He needs to add bulk, as well as improve his shot-creating fluidity and defensive IQ.
If it never clicks for Labissiere, we could be looking at a Cody Zeller-type player. But for now, we're going to assume the Kentucky big man just needs a few confidence-boosting performances before eventually breaking out.
2. Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke
19 of 20
NBA Comparison: Tayshaun Prince/Harrison Barnes (blend)
It took a few weeks for Brandon Ingram to get going, but he's been a head-turner since finding some rhythm.
Ingram, who's listed at 6'9" with a giant 7'3" wingspan, has mismatch height and length for a face-up scoring small forward. And with a 190-pound frame, his skinny arms and legs resemble Minnesota Timberwolves wing Tayshaun Prince's.
Still, having just turned 18 years old this summer, Ingram has plenty of time to bulk up. Meanwhile, he's flashed a convincing perimeter game and jumper, even if the numbers don't back it up early on. Like Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes, Ingram has three-point range and the ability to get his own shot working one-on-one in the mid-range.
1. Ben Simmons, SF/PF, LSU
20 of 20
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom/Blake Griffin (blend)
Whether or not Ben Simmons is the game's next transcendent talent, he's undoubtedly established himself as one of the more unique prospects in years.
Comparing him to LeBron James is seemingly viewed as a crime in most states, but in terms of style of play and role, they do share similarities.
Still, peak Lamar Odom ultimately seems like the closer projection for Simmons, a prototypical point forward. At 6'10", he's most comfortable and threatening handling the ball and initiating the offense, whether it's off a defensive rebound that leads to a transition opportunity or in the half court, where he can thread the needle as a pocket passer or facilitate off the dribble.
Simmons' athleticism and hustle have also translated to volume rebounding numbers (14.8 per game). Without any signs of a perimeter game, he may have to play some 4 as a passing power forward (Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers has averaged 5.2 assists over his last 92 games). Simmons needs to work on his post game, but he's terrific around the basket, with the ability to clean the glass and finish tough layups or runners using either hand.
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