Which 2018 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Participants Profile as Future Superstars?
Longevity Looming?
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
| Comparable Seasons | Match % |
|---|---|
| Glen Davis, 2010-11 | 92.40% |
| Al Harrington, 2002-03 | 89.11% |
| Carlos Delfino, 2009-10 | 88.50% |
| Al Harrington, 2003-04 | 87.71% |
| Bruce Bowen, 2003-04 | 87.46% |
There's no comparing Brown's athletic ability with that of Glen Davis. Brown more closely compares to Al Harrington and Bruce Bowen. In their heydays, the two were lengthy, chippy defenders on the outside. At very similar builds, they had career defensive ratings of 107 and 102, respectively. Through two NBA seasons, Brown is at 106, and he's been (104 rating) with a year of experience behind him. Factor in his 14 points a game and you get a near identical image of Harrington's 2002 campaign.
Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
| Comparable Seasons | Match % |
|---|---|
| Derrick Williams, 2012-13 | 88.88% |
| Dahntay Jones, 2009-10 | 88.86% |
| Joe Smith, 2000-01 | 88.70% |
| Marc Jackson, 2004-05 | 88.37% |
| Wilson Chandler, 2014-15 | 88.25% |
Kuzma's played 97% of his minutes at power forward, but he's shown that he has the versatility to play both forward spots at 6'9", 220 pounds. Compared to his high expectations, though, these seasons aren't too encouraging. Derrick Williams turned out to be a bust. Joe Smith had a long career across multiple teams, but he had never developed a three. Wilson Chandler's played 10 seasons across two teams and has averaged at least a three per game in five straight years. His 2014 season was one of his best, as he averaged 13.9 points on 42.9% shooting and 34.2% from three -- Kuzma has higher percentages in year one.
| Comparable Seasons | Match % |
|---|---|
| Jeff Green, 2007-08 | 90.42% |
| Boris Diaw, 2003-04 | 89.08% |
| Grant Long, 2001-02 | 88.37% |
| Al Harrington, 2000-01 | 88.09% |
| Gerald Wallace, 2004-05 | 88.06% |
Green wasn't great in his rookie year, Grant Long lasted only a few seasons, and Harrington and Gerald Wallace were good defenders for a stretch of their careers. At 23, Prince has been an inconsistent shooter and has averaged just 12.2 points per game through 59 games this season. His lengthy 6'8" frame should keep him relevant as a defender on the wing.
