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In two months dreams will come true for NBA draft prospects.
The NBA draft this year is loaded with talent and will be one of the most stacked drafts of all time. With that being said, I will give you my NBA player comparisons for the top five prospects in this years draft.
Darryn Peterson, Guard, Kansas
Comp: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
At the first, half of the College basketball season Peterson was the consensus number one overall pick. The main concerns around Peterson is his load management, but some would argue it has helped his draft stock. Right now, it is hard to predict the first overall pick but keep Peterson in mind.
After careful consideration I have chosen Alexander-Walker as Peterson’s comparison. Alexander-Walker was named a finalist for the NBA Most Improved player award after more than doubling his point averages from last season. Alexander-Walker averages 20.8 points per game (PPG), 3.4 rebounds per game (RPG) and 3.7 assist per game (APG).
The two have identical body types as Peterson is listed as 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan and a weight of 205, while Alexander-Walker is listed 6’5″ with a 6’10” wingspan and a weight of 205.
On top of body style, they also have a similar play style. Both guys thrive off the catch and shoot three. Alongside that, both finish strong at the rim with and without contact, although Peterson has more flash and strength in his finishing. The two also enjoy a driving pull-up mid range shot and, if heavily contested, will pass out to the perimeter.
Darius Acuff Jr, Guard, Arkansas
Comp: Darius Garland
After a 49-point performance, Darius Acuff Jr. has really made a name for himself in this years draft. Some claim that Acuff is the best guard in this draft and that they would take him with a top three pick. On top of the claim for being the best guard, some people also add that he is the best guard to ever play for coach John Calipari.
So, after back and fourth with a couple players, I have landed on Darius Garland as Acuff’s comparison. While not all the stars have aligned yet, this is more of a “what Acuff could be” comparison.
Garland has become a finished product but when first entering the league looked a lot like a Acuff. A score-first guard with little defensive impact but had an ability to create shots. Garland also had some inconsistencies his rookie year but adjusted fairly quick on offense and slowly became an above average defender.
Garland at 6’1″ and weighing 192 is slightly smaller then Acuff, who is 6’3″ 190. With almost similar bodies, do not be surprised if Acuff becomes a good defender and even turns into a facilitating guard after some time in the NBA.
Caleb Wilson, Forward, UNC
Comp: Jalen Johnson
It was a little harder to decipher the remaining comparisons. For a guy like Caleb Wilson, who is a long and lengthy forward, you have to watch a few guys play to see who is closest to him.
After breaking down some film, I have landed on Jalen Johnson for Wilson’s comparison. Some would disagree with me, but let me explain. The two have only a two inch and four pounds size difference as Wilson is 6’10” weighing 215 and Johnson is 6’8″ and weighing 219.
The main similarities come on the court though. When you think of Wilson you think of this attacking forward, that attacks the rim and finishing hard, and then you watch Johnson and realize they play very much alike. As of recent in the NBA, Johnson has been able to really showcase the player he is, now being an All-Star, and when I watch that I see a forward not afraid of any matchup and as Wilson finds his offensive personality he will be much like Johnson when he hits the league.
Cameron Boozer, Forward, Duke
Comp: Al Horford
Son of Hall of Famer Carlos Boozer, Cameron Boozer has a lot to live up to. What some would say is the safest pick in the NBA draft this year, Boozer has possibly the most upside. As one of the most polished offensive talents in this draft at 6’9″ weighing 250, Boozer will be solid where ever he lands.
For his Comparison, it was a little difficult with a couple names coming to mind. Some would say his Father Carlos, but modernized, I have seen Chris Webber as one being a forward that can pass and score, but what I landed on was Al Horford.
Early in Horfords career, he was a dominant forward–a traditional and efficient big man before moving to a stretch-five. Boozer plays much like an early Horford who was known for his “bully ball” play style. Boozer will be a number one option for his team almost right out of the gate.
The two share similar sizes as well with Horford measuring in at 6’8″ and weighing 240.
AJ Dybantsa, Forward, BYU
Comp: Deni Avdija
Out of all of these guys AJ Dybantsa was by far the hardest. A guy that is 6’9″ weighing 21o, and is the most efficient with off dribble jumpers, is possibly your number one overall pick.
A very popular comparison for Dybantsa is Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, with the idea that both have guard like handles and create off the dribble. Watching current players, I went a different route and have an out of the box answer, Deni Avdija.
Both Dybantsa and Avdija have great ball handling abilities. The two compare in different ways, if Avdija was more of a shooter the comparison would be perfect. Avdija is 6’8″ and weighs 227 where Dybantsa is 6’9″ weighing 210, so the size is relative.
Here is where I really compare the two. Both guys find opportunities off the dribble, Dybantsa takes the dribble into a jumper, where Avdija takes it to the paint. They both thrive in transition with Dybantsa having more upside because of his shooting abilities. Neither of the two are locked into their position making it easy to play positionless basketball with them. Although both guys score differently they have a scorers mentality.
