DJO: NBA Comparison

[MerrittsMustache]

A few weeks ago I asked what NBA player's game could be similar to Jae Crowder's at that level (it was presumed to be Jared Dudley). Now, I'm wondering who people think DJO compares to.

The first name that came to mind was Vinnie Johnson from the Bad Boy Pistons. He wasn't particularly tall by NBA standards but he was incredibly strong and could pour in points quickly. IIRC, he wasn't a particularly good outside shooter though.

Another player I thought of was Ben Gordon, albeit a poor man's Ben Gordon...which might basically be Ben Gordon since he went to the Pistons. He doesn't have ideal NBA SG size, but he's strong and can score the basketball.

DJO's game also reminds me slightly of Sam Cassell's, simply because of all the starts and stops, head fakes and general herky-jerkiness when he has the ball.

In the end though, I just don't think he's going to score as much as those guys did and/or be the impact NBA player that those guys were (I hope I'm dead wrong about that).

Therefore, my conclusion for the best DJO comparison is (drumroll, please!) former Sixer and current Atlanta Hawk, Willie Green.

What are other people's thoughts?

[mileskishnish72]

Vinnie Johnson was indeed a shooting threat - thus his nickname "The Microwave."

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

A few weeks ago I asked what NBA player's game could be similar to Jae Crowder's at that level (it was presumed to be Jared Dudley). Now, I'm wondering who people think DJO compares to.

The first name that came to mind was Vinnie Johnson from the Bad Boy Pistons. He wasn't particularly tall by NBA standards but he was incredibly strong and could pour in points quickly. IIRC, he wasn't a particularly good outside shooter though.

Another player I thought of was Ben Gordon, albeit a poor man's Ben Gordon...which might basically be Ben Gordon since he went to the Pistons. He doesn't have ideal NBA SG size, but he's strong and can score the basketball.

DJO's game also reminds me slightly of Sam Cassell's, simply because of all the starts and stops, head fakes and general herky-jerkiness when he has the ball.

In the end though, I just don't think he's going to score as much as those guys did and/or be the impact NBA player that those guys were (I hope I'm dead wrong about that).

Therefore, my conclusion for the best DJO comparison is (drumroll, please!) former Sixer and current Atlanta Hawk, Willie Green.

What are other people's thoughts?

Gordon and Cassell were both all star caliber players and I don't see DJO reaching that level. I also think Vinnie Johnson has reached a somewhat mythical place in NBA lore because of his spot on the BAd Boys Piston teams and because of his nickname. He wasn't all that, IMO. Gotta admit I'm not familiar with Willie Green.

I honestly think, with a good showing in NBA camps, Darius can sneak into the first round and have some legitimate success. He's a scorer who can defend, which is not all that common. And he's built like a brick you know what.

[brewcity77]

Ben Gordon was the first guy I thought of back in his sophomore year. I'm sticking with that one. Solid bench scoring option, but not really starting caliber.

[Hards Alumni]

Ben Gordon, but smaller, and less effective.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Ben Gordon, but smaller, and less effective.

This.

[JWags85]

Ben Gordon, but smaller, and less effective.

Ben Gordon is only 6'3, its not like he is a giant.  He probably has an inch on DJO and I'd imagine DJO is stronger.  However, Gordon put some tremendous arc on his shot to compensate for his size once he got to the league.

[The Special Brew]

Ben Gordon may be the appropriate offensive comparison.  He's about as effective as a wet napkin on defense though...

[77ncaachamps]

How about Eddie House, minus the PG skills but plus the explosiveness?

[MDMU04]

Ben Gordon may be the appropriate offensive comparison.  He's about as effective as a wet napkin on defense though...

I am not knocking DJO's skills and how they project to the next level, I just don't think that Ben Gordon is a fair comparison.  When both players are shooting the ball really well, I have never seen DJO shoot the way that BG can.  When Gordon gets hot, he has all-time historic shooting nights.  In 5 seasons with the Bulls, he became their franchise leader in 3 point field goals made.  It took Scottie Pippen 12 seasons to set that mark.  Over his career, Gordon has averaged almost 17 points per game in 30 minutes.  That's a lot of scoring.  For comparison sake, Ray Allen averages 20 points in 36.9 minutes per game.

I think a fair comparison for the type of player DJO can become in the NBA is Derrick Fisher (early in his career) or CJ Watson.  They are all about the same size, shoot the ball about as well from most spots on the court and are a match for quickness with the ball.  I think on the defensive end they are similar as well.

[brewcity77]

Ben Gordon is only 6'3, its not like he is a giant.  He probably has an inch on DJO and I'd imagine DJO is stronger.  However, Gordon put some tremendous arc on his shot to compensate for his size once he got to the league.

Did Gordon grow in the past few years? The knock on him when he was with the Bulls is that he couldn't succeed as a 6'1" starting SG, which was why he always came off the bench and was allowed to leave for Detroit.

[RushmoreAcademy]

Maybe not in terms of strength, but I think a little bit of Jrue Holiday in how he can get to the rim, be creative, and draw some contact, as well as be a catch and shoot guy when necessary.

[Dreadman24]

Ben Gordon is only 6'3, its not like he is a giant.  He probably has an inch on DJO and I'd imagine DJO is stronger.  However, Gordon put some tremendous arc on his shot to compensate for his size once he got to the league.

Ben Gordon is 6'0. 6'1 on a good day.

[nyg]

Is DJO a participant in the three point contest tonight on ESPN?

[MU Buff]

Is DJO a participant in the three point contest tonight on ESPN?

Yes he is

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

DJO has a great looking stroke, and is certainly strong enough to shoot it well from NBA range.

He also has some "wiggle" and change of directions/speed that not many college guys have. He might do well with some iso plays where he can use the dribble to get open.

CJ Watson is a nice call.

I think offensively he can be effective in spurts. Defensively, he's going to have to prove he can guard a guy who is 6'6" and just as ripped as he is.

[nyg]

Yes he is

Thanks, can't wait to watch.

[MU Buff]

As for who will be participating in the contests on Thursday night:

3-Point Competition (MENS)
Marcus Denmon – Missouri
John Shurna – Northwestern
Nick Barbour – High Point
Chace Stanback – UNLV
Darius Johnson-Odom – Marquette
Ryne Smith - Purdue
Juan Fernandez - Temple
Bradford Burgess - VCU

Slam Dunk Competition (MENS)
Miles Plumlee – Duke
Kenny Gabriel – Auburn
DeQuan Jones – Miami
James Justice – Martin Methodist
David Kyles – Wichita St
Olu Ashaolu - Oregon
William Mosley - Northwestern State

[LON]

As for who will be participating in the contests on Thursday night:

3-Point Competition (MENS)
Marcus Denmon – Missouri
John Shurna – Northwestern
Nick Barbour – High Point
Chace Stanback – UNLV
Darius Johnson-Odom – Marquette

Slam Dunk Competition (MENS)
Miles Plumlee – Duke
Kenny Gabriel – Auburn
DeQuan Jones – Miami
James Justice – Martin Methodist
David Kyles – Wichita St

The f*ck?

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

I am not knocking DJO's skills and how they project to the next level, I just don't think that Ben Gordon is a fair comparison.  When both players are shooting the ball really well, I have never seen DJO shoot the way that BG can.  When Gordon gets hot, he has all-time historic shooting nights.  In 5 seasons with the Bulls, he became their franchise leader in 3 point field goals made.  It took Scottie Pippen 12 seasons to set that mark.  Over his career, Gordon has averaged almost 17 points per game in 30 minutes.  That's a lot of scoring.  For comparison sake, Ray Allen averages 20 points in 36.9 minutes per game.

I think a fair comparison for the type of player DJO can become in the NBA is Derrick Fisher (early in his career) or CJ Watson.  They are all about the same size, shoot the ball about as well from most spots on the court and are a match for quickness with the ball.  I think on
the defensive end they are similar as well.

Totally agree. Ben Gordon with the Bulls was really phenomenal. I honestly cant remember ever seeing a guy who could just get scorching like he could, including Jordan. And I think he was like the 4th overall pick. I love DJO but he's no Ben Gordon.

[CtownWarrior]

As for who will be participating in the contests on Thursday night:

3-Point Competition (MENS)
Marcus Denmon – Missouri
John Shurna – Northwestern
Nick Barbour – High Point
Chace Stanback – UNLV
Darius Johnson-Odom – Marquette
Ryne Smith - Purdue
Juan Fernandez - Temple
Bradford Burgess - VCU

Slam Dunk Competition (MENS)
Miles Plumlee – Duke
Kenny Gabriel – Auburn
DeQuan Jones – Miami
James Justice – Martin Methodist
David Kyles – Wichita St
Olu Ashaolu - Oregon
William Mosley - Northwestern State

do you think we will see him Windmill?

[bamamarquettefan]

I cut it on a minute late - anyone know why the long beach St kid shot instead of djo?

[MerrittsMustache]

I cut it on a minute late - anyone know why the long beach St kid shot instead of djo?

On another thread, it says that DJO had an academic conflict (i.e. a 4-hour class tonight).