10 Player comparisons for up-and-coming NBA stars

Tre Jones = Rod Strickland

Two major reasons for this comparison. The first one is the impressive assist to turnover rates. While Tre Jones doesn’t have the volume as a facilitator, at least yet, to match a prime Rod Strickland, one thing that stands out is that both of them are effective at making the right play. If there is any doubt about the basketball intelligence of Jones, you can tell from his brother in Memphis that it runs in the family.

The other notable comparison is how both of them have a severely lacking jump shot. Both players for their career average roughly one three-pointer attempted per game. It’s probably for the best, as both of them shoot less than 30 percent as well from that territory.

However, this still hasn’t taken away from the true point guard potential in Jones. Despite their repugnant season, the San Antonio Spurs do have a gem running the offense.

Nic Claxton = DeAndre Jordan

This is the first, and only, person on this list to be compared to a former teammate of his. Claxton served as a backup to Jordan in Brooklyn for the first two seasons of his career. However, after signs of regression, the Nets decided to move on from Jordan and invest in Claxton. Both have played a similar role, as the offensive skillset for each is limited. The lob city magic is something that Claxton can replicate with his willingness to run the floor in transition.

However, the defense is what makes this comparison intriguing. Claxton’s rim protection might not be quite as on par with a prime Deandre Jordan, but his versatility in switching on that end is definitely superior.

Keegan Murray = Rashard Lewis

The build is two of a kind. Both are skinny-wing players with uncharted defensive potential. Lewis was never quite that good on defense, but he put up some impressive offensive numbers with Seattle and Orlando before the second half of his last big payday hit.

Not only are both Murray and Lewis exceptional three-point shooters, but they also have the same movements. Neither player focuses on anything extraordinary when creating for themselves and instead focuses on the fundamentals.

Also, every once in a while, you will see a rack-attack highlight from both guys. These are two great players that, in their prime, any coach would want to have for the pick-and-pop game.

Naz Reid = Al Horford

Probably the biggest sleeper star on this list, Naz Reid has continuously proven his worth in the NBA through countless injuries to the big men in Minnesota this year.

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His comparison to Horford derives from their ability to stretch the floor and provide formidable defense despite both of them being relatively slow.

The biggest caveat for Reid to make a push in becoming compatible with Al Horford is his playmaking. However, this wasn’t really an area of expertise until the Boston Celtics got a hold of Horford after nine seasons in the league.

In just his fourth season and yet to be given a permanent starting position in the league, one can expect Reid to keep showcasing his unique abilities on a nightly basis once his game matures to the point where his minutes see a permanent uprise.