Comparison: Which NBA players do draft prospects resemble most?

There’s no better way to get ready for the NBA Draft tonight than to start thinking about what those soon-to-be selections will look like in 10 years. By that, I mean making comparisons on their games, of course.

It’s fun to speculate where guys will be selected, but it’s more fun to figure out what NBA player their game most resembles. So I took the liberty to speculate on a handful of first-round prospects.

You’ll probably disagree with most, but that’s the best part. Let me know what you think in the coments:

Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky — DeMarcus Cousins

Take Cousins, remove the lit fuse and insert an advanced IQ on defense. That’s KAT, I think. Towns is 100 percent the anti-Cousins when it comes to personality, and if you think of a calm, focused and composed Cousins — that’s damn good. And when you factor in his potential as a perimeter shooter? Scary possibilities.

Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke — Al Jefferson

If there’s anybody in the NBA who’s made a career out of masterful post scoring and miserable defense, it’s Big Al. But once he played with a real team and a smart coach, his defense (and stature) improved. I think Okafor can have that kind of impact. The league will always have a place for offensively gifted players like him.

Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, China — John Wall

Trendy comparison, I know, but it’s hard to ignore the similarities. What they lack in shooting, they make up for in speed and athleticism. Wall’s feel for the game as a lead guard improved with time, and I think Mudiay follows the same path. But he could also be Javaris Crittenton, so that’s the unknown danger.

Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia — Raef LaFrentz

It’s obscure throwback time! LaFrentz was ahead of his time; a big with deep range, athleticism and ability as a rim protector. Porzingis isn’t as bulky as LaFrentz, nor is he the scorer around the rim, but there are a ton of similarities. Honestly, it’s just hard to find a realistic comparison for a kid who could put up such oddly huge numbers.

D’Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State — Jalen Rose

JK, now THIS is a throwback. I don’t see Russell ever being a super stud — apparently I’m in the minority there — but I do see him being a good offensive player for a long time like Rose. Size isn’t quite analogous, but it’s two versatile guards who can legitimately play both spots well.

Justise Winslow, SF, Duke — Victor Oladipo

There’s a chance Winslow and Oladipo end up as teammates in Orlando. There’s also a chance both end up as good-but-not great role players by 2025. Both are short for their position and both have shaky jumpers, but they’re so strong otherwise that size doesn’t seem to matter. Peep the statistical comparison.

Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky — JaVale McGee

Hear me out. JaVale, in a vacuum, is a long and talented center with great versatility as a defender. But he’s also nuts. This is JaVale without any screws loose; essentially a poor man’s Tyson Chandler

Mario Hezonja, SF, Croatia — J.R. Smith

If you feel like a lot of Euro prospects are timid — this isn’t one. Hezonja is ornery, and I say that in a good way. He’s a win who plays above the rim, and can catch fire from deep. But he can also go off the rails. So, he’s the Croatian Earl Smith.

Myles Turner, C, Texas — Noah Vonleh

It’s odd to compare Turner to a player drafted last year, but they feel like such similar prospects. Both have great shot blocking instincts and are solid rebounders despite frames that need filling out. I think both have stretch-4 potential, too. I might take Vonleh over Turner if pressed, but both fit today’s NBA style.

Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona — Gerald Wallace

While Johnson may not be the athlete Crash was in his heyday, he’s the same type of smart and strong combo forward. Both can play small and power forward, both have inconsistent jump shots and both are strong rebounders for their size. I just love the versatility.

Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin — Kelly Olynyk

I think Olynyk is one of the most unique front court scorers in the NBA, and see much of that same unorthodox style in Kaminsky. The former Badger is more post-oriented than Olynyk, but both are great with the ball and find ways to score despite their athletic limitations.

Kevon Looney, PF, UCLA — Lamar Odom

There really isn’t a ton to pick on with Looney. He does everything well and nothing great. I don’t know if 42 percent from 3-point range holds, but his versatility is somewhat underrated. I doubt he’s Odom-like in year one, but he will help a playoff team.

Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville — Jason Maxiell

I’ve felt this way about Harrell for quite a while. He’s not going to ever be a star, but every team needs a player like Harrell — or a young Maxiell — off the bench. Both were athletic, gritty forwards who worked the glass despite that size disadvantage.