Draft is getting closer – throw me some comparisons

 I’ve been throwing the Ewing comparison around for a while, but ONLY on the offensive end. Ewing and Mourning are two of the finest defensive bigs ever, while Ayton is (at least right now) severely lacking in defensive IQ. That may or may not come with time. But, yes, Ewing is a perfect offensive comparison. He has a mid-range out to the 3 pt line and runs the court like only Ewing could back in the day.

 I see David Robinson through and through.

 Ayton is not the defender of Ewing, Mourning or Robinson.  He is prob closer to Brad Daugherty.

I would go Manu Ginobili for Luka

DeAndre Ayton – cross of LMA and Andre Drummond
Marvin Bagley – Shawn Kemp with some Chriss Webber

I see several bits and pieces of high profile players in his game. I see some Michael Beasley, less range currently…. but more focus and a significantly higher motor. I see some Chris Bosh, with a little less touch & length…. but more speed in the open floor and a better ability to attack in space. I see some Danny Manning in his game, with a little less defensive impact.

He’s just a hard player to compare, and the player he is today could be a lot different than the player he is in 4-5 years. IMO team fit & proper coaching will play a big factor in Bagley’s future (Captain Obvious, hold my beer).

I do like the Robinson comparison and to a certain extent Ewing but I feel that is more on offence. Ayton would need to work on his defence to get anywhere near Robinson, Lonzo, Ewing level. But we do need to rember Ayton is several years younger than these guys when they entered the NBA.

 Kevin Knox- Luol Deng

 Baseline comps that I thought of after watching Ayton/Bamba HS highlights: 

Ayton as the next Ewing (maybe Robert Parish. looks like Parish’s older bro sometimes).

Bagley looked more long-limbed, stringy, slimmer athlete, but with wide shoulders like David Robinson.

Upside: maybe not flat-out pure talent but more of an SAT type analogy.  Ayton the next Wilt, Bamba more of a Bill Russell type.

Collin Sexton: Maybe the next Isiah Thomas, who knows.

Donte Inferno: the kid can score in bunches, has flair AND hops, plus that Jerry West-looking jump shot.  I have him in the 8-15 range in my internal mock drafts.

Luka Doncic: J Will meets Bernard King meets Carmelo Anthony meets Boris Diaw meets Mike Miller meets Draymond Green.  So, whatever that is.  Somewhere below the Larry Bird level — probably even below NBA Rick Barry/Pistol Pete level.  

Somewhat like Luka, YUGE hype, will probably drive BOTH teams nuts, lots of flair, lots of playground stuff, but not a real above-the-rim dude.  Luka probably has more intangibles and leadership qualities than Pistol Pete, but might not be the best guy on a great team.  More likely, a great guy to have on the BEST team.  

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Len Bias

Robert Williams III has Karl Malone upside, although he might be a "whatever happened to…" guy.

Marvin Bagley III: high scoring "small ball" center who can rebound in the Bob McAdoo mold.

Trae Young: Bob Cousy

Mikal Bridges: a 3 and D Ron Harper

Bamba – Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler, Mourning, Mutombo.

Grayson Allen – Danny Ainge cross with Nik Stauskis. He won’t be a starter, but is gritty, good passer and 3 pt shooter – Danny Ainge.  Also with good passing and shooting I see a bit of Nik Stauskas.

 Jaren Jackson Jr.- Serge Ibaka

Marvin Bagley-Amare Stoudemire

Micheal Porter Jr.-Rudy Gay

Shai Gilgeous Alexander-Delon Wright

Mikal Bridges-Otto Porter

Shai Gilgeous Alexander – Jrue Holiday

Kevin Knox – Kevin Martin

Marv Bagley – Chris Bosh

Ayton – Ewing (offense) Daugherty (defense) or agree with above, Robert Parish

Luka Doncic – Fat Lever crossed with Detlef Schrempf

Mikal Bridges – Allan Houston with worse jumper but better D

Mikal Bridges is Sean Elliott!!