Brad Beal -Eric Gordan
He's not as explosive, strong or athletic as Eric Gordon, and he does create as well off the bounce. Gordon was getting to the line almost 9 times a game at Indiana, and he's much more of an off-ball player. Beal also doesn't seem to be as polished as Gordon as a scorer, especially in terms of how ready he is to step into an NBA scoring role. Gordon was a 15 ppg scorer immediately, I do not think Beal will be that kind of scorer early, especially not as efficiently as Gordon did it (45% his 1st 2 years). Beal reminds me of a Michael Redd more than Eric Gordon. I just dont see the explosiveness in Beal that I saw in Gordon at Indiana or in the NBA.
Everyone was incredibly high on Gordon before he got injured and thought he'd be an all-star this season. Gordon was a 20+ point scorer in his one season in Indiana and was both stronger and more athletic than Beal is right now.
I've got nothing against Beal, but I think it's kinda incorrect saying he's got a higher ceiling than a guy who has yet to reach his prime and is already a 20+ point scorer. Beal sure is an uncanny rebounder for his size, but I think Gordon sure has the edge offensively and is a very good defender, I think you underrate Gordon.
Having said that, Eric Gordon still is the best comparison for Beal out there
So, have to say he likely has longer arms. Also, is Brad Beal really 6'5 like Ford lists him right now? He was measured at 6'3.5 in shoes last summer with a 6'7 wingspan at the Deron Williams Skills Academy over the summer. Beal's supposed standing reach of 8'3 is also identical to Gordon's measured in 2008. So, physically, I think they are absolutely similar, with Beal not standing out over him. Not to say that things could not have changed and his arms may be longer than was measured (happens all the time with these HS camps), but I find his measurements to Gordon are pretty close.
It is a decent comparison, but I find it hard to think he has a higher ceiling than Gordon. They played in different circumstances, with Beal mostly having to play out of position at the 3 while Gordon was definitely the main offensive option at Indiana. The thing I agree with JNixon on is that I am not sure he contributes as immediately as Gordon. I think Gordon was stronger and very well could have been more athletic. People always assume the younger version of a similar prospect is better, but I think that little shows me Beal being all that much better than EG.
Beal is a much better rebounder than Gordon first off. I think they are equally strong with Gordon being more explosive. keep in mind though Beal is only 18 and can still grow. I also find Beal to have more potential as a shooter and all round player while i find Gordon to be the better one one player.
Beal has potential to be a great shooter, but Gordon is no slouch and he has unlimited range. I also disagree with you about Gordon being a one on one player. He doesn't need to dominate the ball. He's put up very good scoring numbers, despite playing with ball dominant players in Baron Davis and Zach Randolph. He's also played off of Chris Kaman and Blake Griffin. One edge that Beal clearly has though, is that he's a better rebounder.
I think both players are somewhat similar when it comes to just the way they look, their demeanor and body type. Eric Gordon was built similar when he was that age. I think they both play the game the right way and let their games do the talking.
However, Gordon is more athletic and explosive. I think JNixon and mikeyvthedon said it perfectly, so there's no need for me to repeat the differences between each player.
I really like Beal though. He's going to play in the NBA for a long time and looks like he'll be a very good two way two guard.
@IndianaBasketball
i didnt discredit Gordons shooting ability i said Beal can eventually develop a better jumper then Gordon who is a great shooter in his own right. People are complaining about Beals 3pt % when Gordons was actually lower but only by a bit. I think Gordon is going to be a great player and in no way did i say Beal would be better i just wanted to give Beal, a player im really high on, some love.
I really dont see many similarities between them at all, Gordon can play off ball and be the Central figure, i dont think beal will ever be that good of a scorer. Also Gordon tested as the best athlete at the combine beating Derrick Rose and Westbrook so its not really close their. Gordon also goes strong to the basket with the last couple years throwing down some huge dunks. Ive watched many Florida games and Beal never dissapointed but always left you wanting more.
similarities, both slightly undersized two's who make up for it with strength, who have pure stroke and can drive. I don't think beal is the volume scorer Gordon is, Gordon was going to put up 27 shots a ame game this year if healthy. He was quoted as saying he wanted to lead the league in scoring. Beal may be handcuffed by the good small guards that Florida has which limited his ability to be the man. Gordon was the man at Indiana from the day he stepped on campus.Beal took a back seat early and came on strong, real strong later in the year.
There were some ball hogs on IU when EJ got there in Armon Bassett, Jamarcus Ellis and Jordan Crawford, BUT EJ wasn't having that. He came in and took immediate control. He could've taken a backseat and just played his role, especially with DJ White there, but he took lead.
I haven't really seen that from Beal this season... At least not consistently. He doesn't look like the scorer Gordon is nor does he have that mentality it seems, but I still do see quite a few similarities.
Always said that's who he reminds me off and now NbA scouts took it a step further on Insider saying he reminds them of him but with a higher ceiling. I can't disagree. He can score just as well. He's a better rebounder and seems to be the same defender. Looks to be a inch taller with longer arms as well. Hopefully he doesn't become as injury prone though