NBA Draft: Pro comparisons for the top 30 prospects in 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Josh Giddey, Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Draft: 12. Josh Giddey compares to Rajon Rondo

The measurements for this one are completely off. With international prospect Josh Giddey standing at 6’8 and Rajon Rondo listed at only 6’1, there wouldn’t appear to be much to compare.

With that said, if we merely put the height difference behind us, Giddey is essentially a much taller version of Rajon Rondo. His numbers are very Rondo-esque. Averages of 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.5 assists in Australia’s NBL ensure that Giddey is a nightly triple-double threat. Ironically enough, Giddey also shares Rondo’s weaknesses. He shoots only 29.3% from distance and 69.1% from the line.

At just 18, Giddey is dripping with potential. In today’s NBA, pass first points guards are almost extinct. Still, for teams who are looking for a consistent triple-double threat while getting their teammates involved and crashing the glass, Giddey is the player you’re looking for. He managed to put together several triple-doubles during his time overseas.

Presently, Rondo isn’t as effective as he once was. When he was smack dab in the middle of his prime though, he controlled the tempo of the game like no other. Other than playmaking, Rondo was also known for his defense, an area where Giddey still needs work. If we set aside his inability to lockdown on that side of the ball, expect Giddey to rack up plenty of triple-doubles in the NBA. Also, you can expect high assists nights. And while whoever chooses him will have to force him to score the ball, he’ll have one helluva impact from the get-go.