Boston Celtics Draft: NBA player comparisons for 2 top targets
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics Draft Prospect: Kira Lewis Jr.
To start off our list we have a player who, since declaring for the draft in late March, has really skyrocketed up leaderboards and within expert mock drafts.
The sophomore point guard had quite an impressive season as a starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Through 31 games the 19-year-old boasted averages of 18.5 points, 5.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game on 46 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.
With his body type (6-3, 165 pounds) Lewis Jr. possesses the ideal frame for an NBA point guard. Proving to be a quick talent who loves to push the pace in transition, attack the rim, find his teammates for easy looks, and to be great at pick-pocketing his opponents while on defense, he seems to have the skills that could translate nicely to the next level as well.
Now I know in the past we’ve discussed Kira Lewis Jr. as being somewhat of a Ja Morant-lite, but looking through more of a safe and realistic lens, perhaps the NBA player that the point guard prospect best compares to is:
NBA player comparison – Elfrid Payton
The former 10th overall pick from the 2014 NBA Draft, Elfrid Payton was seen coming into the draft very similar to as Lewis Jr. is: a tall, quick, and athletic point guard with a quick first step and a propensity to drive to the hole for a sound finish at the rim.
Payton, who posted similar final-season numbers to the Alabama star during his days at Lafayette (19.2 points, 5.9 assists, six rebounds, 2.3 steals) has managed to etch out a nice career for himself in the NBA.
Currently suiting up for the New York Knicks — his fourth franchise — as their starting one, the 25-year-old is averaging solid numbers of 10 points, 7.2 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
Though not a star, Payton, with his size, speed, versatility, and defensive chops, has managed to find a sustained status of being a quality starter in this league throughout his tenure.
Finding the production in which he has had during his career thus far would certainly not be the worst thing for a player, if drafted by Boston, would be used primarily as a backup.