NBA Comps for Some of the Best Prospects in Texas
Athlete comparisons have become a popular tool in the world of scouting, recruiting, and draft coverage. It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for a player’s game. While no comparison is perfect, it is still a worthwhile…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAthlete comparisons have become a popular tool in the world of scouting, recruiting, and draft coverage. It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for a player’s game. While no comparison is perfect, it is still a worthwhile practice. With that in mind, I’ve come up with NBA comps for some of the best prospects I saw this summer. Keep in mind that these are not projections and be on the lookout for more NBA comparison articles in the near future!
Dallas Craven – 2020 6’0 PG Desoto HS
NBA Comp – Rajon Rondo
When you think of Rajon Rondo, you think of a guy who is one of the best pass first point guards in the history of the game of basketball. He’s made a living as a flashy passer, which is why he reminds me of Desoto’s Dallas Craven. Like Rondo, Craven loves to play the role of facilitator. He’s so good at finding his teammates and is a very accurate passer. The senior point guard is able to be aggressive at the offensive end without forcing shots, not unlike Rondo. Furthermore, both players are terrific ball handlers, and can also do some damage as scorers on the drive. Craven plays with intensity at the defensive end as well, which is another characteristic he shares with Rondo, who has been named to the first team NBA All-Defensive team twice during his professional career.
Jaylon Tyson – 2021 6’5 SF (Method Academy) John Paul II HS
NBA Comp – Paul George
Paul George has developed into one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He can dribble, pass, shoot, and defend at an incredibly high level. His lack of weaknesses is why he reminds me of 2021 prospect Jaylon Tyson. Both players are great jump shooters, can play above the rim in transition, and are tremendous on-ball defenders. Like George, Tyson is a bouncy athlete with a unique combination of size and skill. He can punch it on you in transition, or finish with finesse at the rim. Additionally, both players are excellent defenders out on the perimeter. I’ve only had the opportunity to watch Tyson play in a camp atmosphere, but he was always engaged on defense. It’s nice to see a great player not neglect his responsibilities on that end when there technically isn’t anything on the line.
Ryan Agarwal – 2022 6’5 Forward (3D Empire 15U) Coppell HS
NBA Comp – Kevin Durant
Ryan Agarwal is one of the best shooters I’ve seen in Texas this year. He is a certified sniper from mid-range and beyond the three-point line, which is why I’m comparing him to the slim reaper himself. Like Durant, Agarwal is an elite shooter from all three levels. He can hit three’s, mid-range pull ups, and is even a great turnaround shooter from the post. If you leave him open, he is a virtually automatic. Even if you are able to get a hand in his face, there’s still a good chance that he puts it in. Additionally, Agarwal utilizes his length and long strides to glide into the lane and is efficient on the drive. If he continues to shoot the ball like this, he will be an impact player at the Division One level when his time comes.
Trae Clayton – 2022 6’4 Small Forward (Nike Drive Nation E15) Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy
NBA Comp – Harrison Barnes
Barnes has been one of the most underrated players in the NBA for a few years now. He is incredibly efficient on offense. He can play on the wing but can also do a lot of damage in the post, which is why he reminds me of Trae Clayton. Similar to Barnes, Clayton can operate out on the perimeter and hit catch and shoot threes, or he can back you down and get a high percentage look in close. They are solid three-point shooters too. Both players also contribute as rebounders. Another characteristic they share is their athleticism, which allows them to not only excel on offense, but on defense as well. I also love how they are unselfish players, which is abundantly clear when you watch each of them play.