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NBA Draft 2017: Pro comparisons for prospects

By Cody Williams

Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) points against the Florida Gators during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) points against the Florida Gators during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Markelle Fultz, G – Washington

Comparison: Brandon Roy (playmaking, physical profile)

For most scouts and analysts, Markelle Fultz is the unquestioned No. 1 player in the 2017 NBA Draft class. Subsequently, his pro comparisons have a tendency to get more overblown than some. However, these comparisons are more apt considering what the combo guard brings to the table. Subsequently, the first player that Fultz profiles similarly to is a fellow Washington Huskies alum in Brandon Roy.

Prior to his knee injury, Roy’s game was eerily similar to the way Fultz plays. Neither player was an overwhelming athlete, but both players had the versatility and skill because of their frame and basketball IQ that any lack of quickness wasn’t substantially detrimental. What’s more, the playmaking of Fultz is reminiscent of Roy in that he can beat teams in a number of ways. He can knock down jumpers from anywhere off the floor, especially with his lethal pull-up. What’s more, they’re also both elite finishers at the rim.

Where the comparison to Roy deviates a bit is in Fultz’s ability to make plays for others and run an offense as a combo guard. Fultz probably has a slight athletic edge of Roy and, being a younger prospect, may even have more upside.

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