2019 NBA Draft Top-30 Prospect Player Comparisons
By Ed Memphis
![NEW YORK - JUNE 19: NBA Draft Prospect, Ja Morant poses for portraits during media availability and circuit as part of the 2019 NBA Draft on June 19, 2019 at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) NEW YORK - JUNE 19: NBA Draft Prospect, Ja Morant poses for portraits during media availability and circuit as part of the 2019 NBA Draft on June 19, 2019 at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c4253a960c2d3cc454aebcf31cbc0b7b2fdf7fb6cf1d74bb59786f940bf4b968.jpg)
Ceiling: Peak Josh Howard
Floor: Al-Farouq Aminu
Blessed with a 7-foot wingspan & an incredible motor, Little is an active defender & scrappy player already if nothing else. The former All-Amercian prep player has solid but not overly athleticism, has shown ability to put the ball on the floor in spurts but needs serious ballhandling improvement but more so that Nassir needs to improve his shooting & understanding of the game which translates to a higher hoops IQ. Very productive in such limited minutes at North Carolina despite playing behind older NBA prospects like Cameron Johnson.
Ceiling: Clint Capela
Floor: Ryan Hollins
Hayes is a promising rim runner/protector with great length & athleticism & very solid defensive instincts already. Likely to be at least a contributing role player but has All Defense potential. Needs serious improvement all over on offense aside from dunks.
Ceiling: C.J. McCollum
Floor: Carlos Delfino
Tyler is another one of my favorites in this draft. Very smooth shooter with a legendary work ethic that should get him even better. What’s underrated about Herro is his ball skill & shot creating potential. This kid makes very smart & efficient plays that include getting his teammates involved occasionally. Although his limited athleticism will limit him some defensively, I wouldn’t be surprised if his work ethic leads to him being a capable defender & a really good scoring guard.
Ceiling: Evan Fournier/Rudy Gay hybrid
Floor: N/A
Kezie was originally projected as a top-10 2019 draft prospect due to his very long frame as a G/F wing who is already a solid shot creator & three-point shooter. He was expected to make huge strides his sophomore year at Stanford, especially raising his scoring production & mainly defensively & when it didn’t happen, his draft stock took a considerable hit as a result. Now with some mocks projecting him to be selected as late as early 2nd round, Kezie went from a risky high lottery pick to a potential middle of the draft steal a good thing depending on who you ask.
Ceiling: C.J. McCollum/J.J. Redick
Floor: N/A
Johnson is another potential lottery pick due to his high level shooting at Kentucky. Not very long at only 6’5″ & not very athletic either, but Johnson is a reliable shooter & shot creator despite having a decent at best ball handling for a guard. Johnson was one of the best shooters in all of basketball at Kentucky & is a guy with a scoring skill set that gives him a high enough floor to keep him in NBA rotations for a long time at worst case scenario.