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2016 NBA Draft: Pro comparisons for top prospects

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 30, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) defends against a shot by Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) defends against a shot by Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers, Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners
Jan 30, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) defends against a shot by Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Player comparisons can be messy business but also a useful shorthand for beginning to understand the skill set and potential of a draft prospect.

What is old is new again.

Whenever a new crop of players come into the NBA, there are always hints of other players in their game. After all, these were the players who inspired their own play and dreams. It makes sense for them to emulate and take pieces of the players they watch.

Those comparisons can also set unreal expectations.

The search for the next Michael Jordan or next “whoever” can bury a players under the weight of comparisons that don’t do justice to their own uniqueness. LeBron James was supposed to be the next Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson. He is neither of those guys, but the comparisons set the bar very high.

The new crop of players will deal with it too.

It has already happened with Ben Simmons, the presumptive top pick in this year’s draft. LeBron James comparisons started the moment he stepped on campus at LSU. And he failed to live up to those expectations in his freshman year, putting up big numbers but failing even to get his team into the NIT.

Each incoming player has a ceiling, a floor and someplace realistic they will end up. It is always dependent on situation, health and everything else. Nothing is ever guaranteed.

Still the comparisons are there to be made. And NBA teams will always be hoping for this best-case scenario while minimizing their risk as they make assessments on prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft.

For fans, here is what the top prospects look like.

To read more about A.J. Hammons, click here.

Next: The second coming?

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