Pistons draft: NBA comparisons for Detroit’s likely picks

Pistons draft: NBA comparisons for Detroit’s likely picks

Ausar Thompson-6-foot-7 SF Overtime Elite

NBA Comparison: Andre Iguodala

This is a comparison I’ve seen other places and it makes sense, as Iguodala was an athletic defender with a questionable shot when he joined the NBA. Ausar Thompson is actually rated higher than his brother by some experts, as he has the higher defensive ceiling and has flashed more consistent shooting, though he’ll need to improve in that area.

Ausar Thompson shot 29.8 percent from 3-point range this past season and 66 percent from the line, so better than his brother but still an area where he will need big improvement.

Before he became famous for being a role player for the Warriors, Iguodala had some great seasons for Philly, averaging nearly 20 a game while adding around six rebounds and five assists. He was a plus defender who averaged over two steals per game multiple times and ended up going from an All-Star to a role player on a title team.

Ausar Thompson has a chance to make a similar impact immediately with his defense and playmaking, and hopefully the shot comes along.

Jarace Walker – 6-foot-8 PF/C Houston

NBA Comparison: Aaron Gordon/Paul Millsap

Falling under the same umbrella as Taylor Hendricks, Jarace Walker may be best taken later than five, meaning a trade down to grab him would be ideal. Even so, the Pistons may not find a trade partner and still settle on Walker at five. He may not be the athlete Amen Thompson is, or have the scoring possibility of Cam Whitmore, but he would be a valuable piece to every NBA team. Standing at a 6-foot-9 with a very physical frame, Walker can act as both a small ball center or a more offensively skilled four. His above average quickness for a big man offers switching abilities on defense to go along with his great passing on offense. Walker has worked on his shooting form, but must still improve his shooting from deep to truly be a 3/4/5 position-less big at the next level.

Walker’s game most similarly represents that of Aaron Gordon and Paul Millsap. Since Aaron Gordon is at the forefront in the NBA at the moment, Walker is often being compared to the former 4th overall draft pick. This is a great comparison for the big man out of Houston. Both are energy guys, who primarily play the four, but can slot in at the five in a small ball lineup. During each Finals game, Gordon is continually showing the benefits to having a big four who can step out and provide some offense away from the basket. Because of his size and muscle, Gordon can defend 3 through 5 without giving much up in terms of advantages. Outside of Gordon, Jarace Walker compares nicely to former power forward Paul Millsap. In an age before position-less basketball, Millsap broke the mold. He provided strength at the four position, which allowed him to slide to the five if need be, but also shot the ball efficiently, allowing him to play away from the basket similar to a three wing.

All three players, Walker, Gordon, and Millsap shoot (or shot) the three ball at a clip of around 33 percent , while averaging around 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a field goal percentage of 47 percent. Gordon is playing a key role for the Nuggets at the moment, a luxury the Pistons would love to have.