If we are talking current NBA player comparisons here is my list
Monte Morris- Mike Conley Jr.- Both have good speed and quickness and play very smart. Even though Morris isn't considered by some to be the ISU's best shooter, he certainly should be. Both can shoot the rock off the dribble and catch and shoot. As for defense, Morris will mature just like Conley and become a very capable defender. Both were small but have room to bulk up.
Clayton Custer- Tony Parker- I haven't seen him yet but from what I've read and heard I'd say this would be a good comparison. Very typical point guards. Both are very fast with the ball in their control. Smart players that finish great close to the rim. Both also have a great mid-range game with decent 3 pt shooting. Parker has developed a 3 pt shot in the NBA as of recent and I've heard Custer isn't the greatest trey ball shooter.
BDJ- Nick Young/Swaggy P- Great athleticism and smooth shooting on the wing, but it comes down to consistency.
Other possibility O.J. Mayo
Nazty Long- Marco Belinelli- Excellent shooters with a very quick shot, takes shots off dribble and off screens very well and can shoot with defenders in face. He can also get to the rim.
Matt Thomas- J.J. Redick- White 3pt shooters that move very well off the ball and coming off screens. Thomas might be a little more athletic. Just want to throw this out there, but I like the Fred Hoiberg comparison too, just for poos and gigs.
Abdel Nader- Nicholas Batum- Lengthy wings that can shoot, and play great D.
Dustin Hogue- Jimmy "Buckets" Butler- Undersized and underrated forwards with great motors and athleticism. Jimmy is known for playing a lot of minutes and great D. I feel like the same can be said of the Hoguenator, the Hogueroni, the Hougester. Both can score if they have too, and can play either guard or forward in the NBA.
Georges Niang- Gordon Hayward- Plays PF in college, too small so switches to SF in NBA, but can play multiple positions. Not the best defenders or most athletic players on the court, but they possess great body control and shoot well outside, making them difficult to defend. Both also share an extremely high basketball IQ as well.
Jameel Mckay- Taj Gibson- High energy, athletic players that can run the floor. Undersized NBA PF's that make up for it with length, energy, and leaping ability. Dunk, and dunk hard. Fun to watch. They can defend multiple positions, throw back opposing shots, finish at the rim, have decent handling skills, have surprising quickness for their size, and have developing mid-range games.
Excited for this season to roll around, Go cyclones.
