NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

16. Damian Jones, Vanderbilt Commodores

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Jermaine O’Neal

Safe Upside Comparison: Larry Sanders

Position: Center

Age: 20 (6/30/1995)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 245 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .571/.000/.550

Season Averages: 25.3 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 1.3 APG, 1.9 BPG

He may not be a freshman, but Damian Jones of the Vanderbilt Commodores is essentially this year’s Myles Turner. The physical tools and raw fundamentals are there, but there are clear signs of Jones being erratic in both his effort and efficiency against similarly gifted opponents.

It’s simply impossible to ignore how dominant a player he could be under the proper coaching and in the right NBA system.

Jones is growing on me as a prospect, specifically due to the intriguing fundamentals he’s in the process of developing. His jump hook is a strength, and his patience as a shot-blocker has improved from a season ago.

Questions about his motor persist, but Jones is as legitimate a star-caliber prospect as any player eligible for the 2016 NBA Draft.

Jones has some Larry Sanders in him as a player who can turn his motor on and off, but always seems to make his mark as a rim protector. The more ideal upside comparison is Jermaine O’Neal, who found a way to torment teams on both ends during his prime years.

If the right coach gets his hands on Jones, the Vanderbilt star could translate that distinction to the next level.

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