Pistons draft: NBA comparisons for Detroit’s likely picks

Pistons draft: NBA comparisons for Detroit’s likely picks

Taylor Hendricks: 6-foot-9 PF UCF

NBA Comparison: Jerami Grant/Jaren Jackson Jr.

Standing 6-foot-9 with a wingspan of 7-foot-2, Taylor Hendricks is a nightmare to match up against. He’s an incredibly long four, giving him the ability to switch on all positions. His defense and ability to contest almost every shot is a perfect piece for any NBA team, just ask his 1.7 blocks per game as a true freshman. Hendricks’ offense checks many boxes as well. During his lone year at UCF, Hendricks shot almost 40 percent from three on 4.6 attempts per game. As a true, face up scoring big, he shoots at an even better clip on catch-and-shoot attempts. This is something he would likely see often playing alongside Cade and Ivey.

Taylor Hendricks is one of my favorite options for the Pistons in this draft, as he is built in the mold of former Piston Jerami Grant and current Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. All three are physically similar, standing around 6-foot-9 and weighing 220-230lbs. Grant’s immediate impact during his rookie campaign was in the form of his elite length and size, but his offensive skills would eventually round out as he came into his own. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defense was always elite, thanks to his length, but he was known for knocking down the occasional three. Like Jerami Grant, Hendricks has the potential of becoming a go-to scorer. And, Like Jaren Jackson Jr., Hendricks has the switching ability on the defensive end. A little less of a scorer off the dribble than Grant, and a little less defense than Jackson Jr. and you have Taylor Hendricks. Sign me up.

Amen Thompson: 6-foot-7 PG/SG Overtime Elite

NBA Comparison: Ja Morant (with less offensive capabilities)

Amen Thompson, along with his twin brother, are possibly two of the most polarizing prospects in this draft. Going the new school route to the NBA, they both have been members of the Overtime Elite for two years now. At 6-foot-7, Amen has good size for both a point guard or shooting guard and has even more athletic ability than Cam Whitmore. Thompson will immediately become one of the most athletic players in the NBA the moment he walks onto the court. Using this athleticism, Thompson shows potential at being an elite downhill player at the next level. His defense is above average, and his basketball IQ allows him to play aggressively, yet smart on both ends of the floor. Thompson’s shooting, however, is a true concern. Amen shot just 25 percent from three-point range last year. Along with struggling from deep, Thompson converted just 52 percent from the free throw line, which is often a telling sign of true shooting ability.

Amen’s NBA comp is a lofty one, mostly due to his wild athletic ability. Ja Morant’s show stopping highlight reel is never ending, constantly attempting to dunk over people. His first step ability to blow by defenders is second to none, and his jumping is so effortless. Amen will bring this type of electricity to whichever team he joins. While Morant is a better shooter than Thompson, he still only connects on 30 percent from deep. Most of his scoring is via slashing and getting past defenders. Amen will be forced to use a similar style of play to overcome his shooting inefficiencies. With that being said, Amen doesn’t need to become a great shooter. Even just developing into a good one, paired with his athletic ability will emulate Ja Morant’s game greatly.