Archives: NBA Draft Players

Patrick OBryant

NBA Comparison: Brad DaughertyAran Smith – 1/3/2006Strengths: Classic late bloomer … Bigman with excellent upside … Huge frame with extremely long arms (likely close to 7-6 wingspan) … Very good agility for a 7 footer, light on his feet … Not afraid of contact, good strength and improving rapidly … Runs the court and moves very well, also quick getting into transition … Should be able to carry another 20-30 pounds … Great shot blocker, doesn’t get overzealous. Can block a lot of shots without jumping …

Ronnie Brewer

NBA Comparison: Marquis DanielsAran Smith – 11/30/2005Strengths: 2 guard with great versatility … Very intriguing because of his ability to run the show from the point guard position … Has good leadership abilities … Creates well off the dribble with a quick first step … Elevates his teammates play with his passing ability … Excellent vision, creating easy baskets for open teammates … Thoroughbred type of athlete, very strong frame, think legs, extremely fast in the open floor …

Brandon Roy

NBA Comparison: Jalen RoseAran Smith – 3/14/2006Strengths: Roy is a no nonsense 2-guard with excellent all around skills … Very cerebral player, makes excellent decisions. Understands the game … Very polished, great experience with four years at Washington under his belt … An excellent shooter who steps up in big situations. Hit a number of huge shots at the end of games this year … Has worked hard on his outside shot which has improved each year … Great competitor …

Rudy Gay

NBA Comparison: Scottie PippenAran Smith – 6/27/2006 Strengths: Elite run/jump athlete who finishes well above the rim … High flyer … Very versatile… Does everything well … Complete offensive arsenal… Can hit the mid range jumper… Excellent at slashing to the hoop… Accurate passer who is very unselfish… Does the majority of his damage in the post … Very tough to defend… Doesnt get pushed around down low … Runs the floor well … Tough on the boards… Works harder than everyone else on the court …

Kevin Pittsnogle

NBA Comparison: Sam PerkinsAran Smith – 2/26/2006 Strengths: Pittsnogle is a tremendous shooting bigman. He has proven time and again that he can not only knock down shots from outside with consistency, but also big shots in big game stuations … Adept at hitting shots with a player in his face … On the next level, he will spread the floor forcing a big man to guard him on the perimeter …

Tyrus Thomas

NBA Comparison: Shawn MarionAran Smith – 11/28/2005Strengths: Agile bigman with great leaping ability … Feathery touch out to 12-15 feet … Has a very nice turn around jump shot …Spectauclar dunker, his explosiveness and quickness getting off the ground is unrivaled among college post players … A super shot blocker due to his long arms and explosiveness … Runs the floor well … Huge wingspan … Has good hands for rebonds and catching passes … Plays with good energy, loves to dunk …

LaMarcus Aldridge

NBA Comparison: Channing FryeAran Smith – 3/15/2006Strengths: Considered the top bigman prospect in the country … Extremely smooth post player … Has excellent touch within 12 feet of the basket … Soft hands … Excels on the offensive end with great fundamentals and footwork … Put on 25 pounds of muscle between his freshman and sophomore seasons and it’s made him a much more aggressive and confident post player … Runs the floor especially well for a (near) 7 footer … Good transition player …

Andrew Bogut

NBA Comparison: Vlade Divac