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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) moves the ball defended by Youngstown State Penguins guard Francisco Santiago (23) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) moves the ball defended by Youngstown State Penguins guard Francisco Santiago (23) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Caris LeVert, Michigan Wolverines

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Tracy McGrady

Safe Upside Comparison: Joe Johnson

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 21 (8/25/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 200 pounds, 7’1″

Slash Line: .509/.446/.806

Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 3PM

If we were to work with a clean slate, Michigan Wolverines shooting guard Caris LeVert would be a Top 10 prospect. Between his size, length, athleticism, shooting touch, range, and dramatically improved court vision, LeVert has the makeup of an NBA All-Star.

Unfortunately, LeVert has one crippling flaw: he can’t seem to stay healthy.

LeVert suffered injuries to his left foot in May of 2014 and January of 2015—both of which required surgery. Although not related to the stress fractures, he went down with another lower leg injury roughly one year later in January of 2016—an issue that kept him sidelined for 11 games.

If LeVert can ever get his health right, he can emerge as one of the Top 10 players eligible for the 2016 NBA Draft.

LeVert’s ultimate upside comparison is another big wing who could score from anywhere, find his way into the paint, facilitate the offense, and lock his man down when focused: Tracy McGrady. This is not to suggest that LeVert will be that good, but instead acknowledging that a tighter handle would enable him to do anything he wants on the court.

A more appropriate and realistic upside comparison is another player who can take over in isolation without necessarily blowing by the competition athletically: Joe Johnson.

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