NBA Comps for Top 2022 Texas Prospects
It’s human nature to use comparisons as a means of description. The same is true in the basketball community. While no comparison is perfect, it’s still a fun exercise. With the 2019 high school season quickly approaching, I thought it…
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Continue ReadingIt’s human nature to use comparisons as a means of description. The same is true in the basketball community. While no comparison is perfect, it’s still a fun exercise. With the 2019 high school season quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to come up with NBA comps for some of the top prospects in Texas. I will be focusing on players from class of 2022 and their pro comparisons this time around. Be on the lookout for more NBA comparison articles in the near future!
Bryce Griggs – 2022 6’1 PG (Team Harden 16U (Adidas)) Fort Bend Hightower
NBA Comp – Chris Paul
Anybody who has been following the class of 2022 knows that Bryce Griggs is an elite ball handler and an exceptional passer. He has a high basketball IQ and always seems to make the right pass. These are characteristics he shares with future Hall of Famer Chris Paul. Like Paul, Griggs is a playmaking point guard who knows how to get easy looks for himself and his teammates. His court vision is next level.
However, it’s Griggs’s demeanor that ultimately led me to choosing this comparison. Aside from his last few seasons with the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul has been the unquestioned alpha of his team. While Griggs doesn’t seem to be as vocal as Paul, he is undeniably the leader of his team when he is on the court.
Jordan Walsh – 2022 6’6 Wing/PF (Nike Drive Nation E15) Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy
NBA Comp – Aaron Gordon
Walsh’s has an incredibly high ceiling, which is something that I often hear when people are talking about the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon. They are both freak athletes who like to play above the rim. I’ve said this already in a previous article, but the first thing I ever saw Walsh do was go between the legs on dunk during layup lines. Walsh’s affinity for highlight reel dunks certainly bears a resemblance to Gordon.
Another similarity between Walsh and Gordon is their versatility. They are well rounded players who play tough defense, rebound well, and can even bring the ball up on offense. Additionally, both guys are better three-point shooters than you’d expect. Similar to Gordon, Walsh is an already talented player whose potential is through the roof.
Rylan Griffen – 2022 6’5 SF (Nike Drive Nation E15) Richardson HS
NBA Comp – Jayson Tatum
The NBA is loaded with wings who can score the basketball. There were a lot of NBA players that came to mind when I was trying to come up with a comp for Rylan Griffen, but I ultimately landed on Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. These are two guys who can score in a variety of ways. Like Tatum, Griffen is a tremendous three-point shooter who is virtually automatic when uncontested.
Griffen is equally effective at getting inside. Similar to Tatum, he uses his unique combination of size, speed, and skill to attack the basket. Griffen can completely take over a game with his ability to be a diverse scorer. On their worst day, these two are high level 3 and D guys. That said, defenses don’t stand a chance when they are at their best.
Lee Dort – 2022 6’10 Center (Nike Drive Nation E15) Bethany Christian
NBA Comp – Andre Drummond
Lee Dort is one of the best centers in the class of 2022. He is really good at carving out space for himself down low. The same could be said about the Detroit Piston’s Andre Drummond. Both players have the ability to finish with finesse or power in the post. Furthermore, the majority of both players’ offensive production comes from within 10-feet of the basket. They are both forces on defense as well.
Another obvious parallel between these two is their rebounding. Drummond has led the league in rebounds for the past two seasons. Dort is an excellent rebounder in his own right. He has good instincts in addition to his size and strength. I see him putting up ridiculous rebounding numbers this season for Bethany Christian.