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NBA Comparison: De’Aaron Fox

By Alex Eddy

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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De’Aaron Fox exploded for 39 points in a Sweet 16 match up against UCLA. Fox wants everyone to know that he should not be the forgotten point guard in this draft. Speedy, crafty, and lethal in transition, Fox is without a doubt the quickest player in college basketball.

Below, we will provide a best case scenario comparison for Fox, in which he reaches his full potential in the NBA. We will also provide a more realistic comparison, in which Fox does not show much more improvement at the NBA level.

Jan 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) passes the ball around Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) passes the ball around Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Case Scenario: John Wall

Clearly, Fox is not the physical specimen that John Wall is. At 19, Fox does not have an NBA ready body yet. However, his ability to attack the rim and his athleticism are very similar to that of Wall. Both players are speedy and quick, and both can be absolute blurs in transition. They can be a one-man fast break, which can be a very scary sight for opposing teams. Just like Wall was at Kentucky, Fox has shown flashes of creating opportunities for his teammates. He still needs to be more consistent in this area and needs to cut down on the turnovers, but that will definitely improve when getting to the NBA.

Additionally, both are very good on the defensive side of the ball, and I can see Fox only getting better as a defender. Everyone knows that Fox needs to improve his perimeter shooting. However, although he has improved his shooting since his college days, Wall has been able to survive quite well in the NBA without being an elite perimeter threat.

Both players can create for others, but can also take over a game themselves if necessary. They are both so canny when getting to the basket and finishing at the rim.

Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) drives with the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half of a NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) drives with the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half of a NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Realistic Comparison: Kris Dunn

Dunn has struggled throughout his rookie season. He has only scored in double figures six times this year. Like Fox, Dunn isn’t consistent with his jump shot or from 3-point range. Both prefer to operate within the 3-point line and in the paint. Dunn is a bigger guard, but both are very good on the defensive end.

I think Fox is definitely more explosive when getting to the rim and is definitely quicker than Dunn. However, if Fox does not improve his outside shooting and his play making isn’t consistent, he could end up more like Dunn than Wall. A point guard that will be able to play both sides of the floor, will be able to run the offense, but won’t be consistent enough to be elite.

Next: Is Smart's Shot Becoming a Problem?

Fox is heating up at the right time. He showed us that he can take over a game himself, and has put his name in the top five conversation. I think he will definitely be in the top ten, but if he continues his elite play, he will keep moving up and up.