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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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Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) is pressured by Miami Hurricanes forward Kamari Murphy (21) during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) is pressured by Miami Hurricanes forward Kamari Murphy (21) during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum, F – Duke

Comparison: Jabari Parker (offense), More athletic/long Paul Millsap (defense)

Much like with Josh Jackson, it’s exceptionally difficult to find a 1-vs-1 comparison when it comes to Jayson Tatum. This is the case for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most difficult of those reasons to contend with is the role that Tatum played while at Duke. Though he was quite obviously the best and most dangerous player on the floor most times out, he often played second or third fiddle in the offense, especially early in the season. Thus, it’s somewhat hard to adequately assess his potential.

However, Tatum’s offensive games and frame are very reminiscent of another one-and-done prospect out of Duke, current Milwaukee Buck, Jabari Parker. Though Tatum definitely brings more athleticism to the table than Parker — which is impressive in itself — both possess an exceptionally versatile offensive game. They can spot up and knock down jumpers from deep, but also have the length and guard-like skills to slash and be dangerous on the drive.

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That being said, Parker is still a pretty notoriously poor defender at this point in his career, whereas Tatum is not and has the potential to be even better. His defensive prowess is very similar to that of Paul Millsap, only if you put the Hawks forward on a medieval stretcher to give him more length. Millsap has the physical tools to defend inside and out with great effectiveness, something that Tatum brings to the table as well.

This is a bit more of a hypothetical ceiling comparison, but if he can bulk up a bit more, Tatum has the opportunity to be one of the best two-way players in this draft class, hands down, even if he’s not a MVP-caliber type talent.

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