We use NBA comparisons to paint a picture of how a particular prospect will look once he moves from college to the pros.

It's not to predict the next Dwyane Wade or Kevin Garnett, necessarily, but rather to show that a particular up-and-comer may share similar physical traits and skills with current pros. NBA comparisons are used to portray a prospect's fit in the league.

A prospect and player's measurements had to match up, as did their positions and styles of play. Most of these are best-case comparisons to current or former stars, though their ceilings could differ.

And since no two players are exactly alike, I used a combination of two players to compare certain prospects. 

*Top 10 players are determined by looking at Bleacher Report's 2017 NBA Draft Big Board.

CAUTION: Some player highlight videos contain lyrics that are NSFW.

10. Frank Ntilikina (France, PG, 6'5", 1998)

NBA Comparison: Dante Exum

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism 

At 6'5", Frank Ntilikina shares similar size and length with 6'6" Dante Exum of the Utah Jazz. While neither wows with turn-the-corner burst or vertical explosiveness, they're both smooth athletes fueled by quickness rather than bounce. 

Defensive Potential 

He's not there yet, but Exum has the chance to develop into a plus defensive guard. The same goes for Ntilikina, who uses his lateral foot speed, length and fast hands to apply pressure or force turnovers.

At their height, they each offer the versatility to lock down either backcourt position.

Offensive Skill Set, Approach 

Like Exum, Ntilikina is an unselfish facilitator with no personal agenda. He has a good feel coming out of ball-screen situations, where he probes and uses his size to see over the defense as a passer or finisher.

Ntilikina is playing a lot of 2-guard off the ball with Strasbourg IG. Though not a dynamic scorer, he's been efficient, showing a knack for capitalizing on spot-ups, cuts and drives within the offense.  

9. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, 6'7", Freshman)

NBA Comparison: Larry Johnson

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism

At 6'7", 230 pounds, Miles Bridges' size, strength and athleticism set the parameters for the comparison to similarly built former Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks combo forward, Larry Johnson (6'7", 235 lbs). Bridges brings the same explosive punch of power and bounce, they both have strong upper bodies and—like Johnson did—Bridges has exciting springs in his legs. 

Johnson played as an undersized power forward who compensated with muscle, motor and wiggle. Bridges' tools and skills suggest he'll follow suit in a league that's more conducive to the type. 

Inside-Out Offense 

Bridges has already created a handful of highlights with monster finishes high above the rim, something Johnson routinely did as a youngster with the Hornets. 

L.J. also added the three-pointer to his arsenal. Bridges will need time to become consistent from outside, but he's knocking down 1.5 threes per game early and looks poised to emerge as a legitimate long-range threat. 

He's also shown the ability to face up and attack, an aspect of his game that still needs significant work. The biggest difference between the two players is in the post, where Johnson used to mix physicality, shiftiness and shot-making skills. Bridges may want to study some of Grandmama's game film and add back-to-the-basket moves to his repertoire. 

Rebounding/Energy

Both forwards play with passion and high energy. Johnson averaged double-digit rebounds early in his career. Bridges, who's pulling down 9.3 per game, also brings heavy activity under the boards.

8. Ivan Rabb (California, PF/C, 6'11", Sophomore)

NBA Comparison: Chris Bosh

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism

At 6'11", 220 pounds with a 7'2" wingspan, Ivan Rabb's measurements aren't far from Bosh's (6'11", 235 lbs, 7'3 ½" wingspan).

Assuming Rabb can strengthen his frame, he should be capable of logging minutes at the 5, particularly in today's league, with the value of quickness (over size) at the position on the rise. 

Post Scoring

Rabb's skill set mirrors the one Bosh used to score at will with as a Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat power forward/center. 

Like Bosh, Rabb finishes strong around the rim and over the shoulder on the block. He's similarly threatening when his back is to-the-basket around the elbows, where Rabb can separate with fallaways. 

Bosh took his game to All-Star heights with a terrific one-on-one arsenal and mid-range jumper. Rabb has flashed both, with the ability to rise and fire from 15 feet or face up and attack from the short corners. This year, he'll look to improve both aspects and emerge as a viable go-to option for California. 

Rebounding/Defense 

Just as Bosh was, Rabb projects as a plus rebounder. Credit his length, motor, nose for the ball and sticky hands. He averaged 11.9 boards per 40 minutes last year and should be a double-double machine in 2016-17.

Just as Bosh evolved into a versatile defender, Rabb's size, toughness and mobility suggest he'll also guard the post and pick-and-rolls.

7. Jonathan Isaac (Florida State, SF/PF, 6'10", Freshman)

NBA Comparison: Maurice Harkless/Brandon Ingram 

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism 

At 6'10", 210 pounds, with a 7'1 ¼" wingspan, Jonathan Isaac brings power forward measurements to the wing, just like the Portland Trail Blazers' Maurice Harkless (6'9", 220 lbs, 7'0" wingspan) and Brandon Ingram (6'9", 190 lbs, 7'3" wingspan) of the L.A. Lakers.

They're all more athletic and smooth than they are strong and explosive. 

Versatility 

Isaac, Harkless and Ingram play a face-up brand of offense that can cause mismatches for smaller forwards. Isaac would look more like Harkless if his jumper and shot-creating never came around, but he's already flashed the skills that helped take Ingram to No. 2 overall last year. 

Isaac has made seven of his first 15 three-point attempts and has shown he can handle the ball, attacking and losing defenders on his way to the rim. We haven't seen much of it through four games at Florida State, but like Ingram, Isaac can also separate for two-point jumpers and score off the dribble. 

Defensive Upside

Ingram has impressed early with his length and ability to contest shots, both at the rim and on the perimeter for the Lakers. Isaac has flashed the foot speed to contain quicker assignments in space, and he uses his long arms to force turnovers (1.5 steals per game). 

Assuming he can add 10 pounds to his frame, he should be as effective as Harkless, who's shown he can guard on the perimeter and around the rim with admirable energy.

6. Lauri Markkanen (Arizona, PF/C, 7'0", Freshman)

NBA Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis/Nikola Mirotic 

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism

Lauri Markkanen isn't as long as 7'3" New York Knicks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis, but he's in the same 7-footer club. And like Porzingis, Markkanen has lift in his feet and wiggle in his hips. We're talking about two bigs with center height, power forward mobility, a quick first step and the bounce to finish over shot-blockers. 

Offensive Skill Set

Markkanen has flashed offensive perimeter skills and moves that should look familiar to Knicks fans. Like Porzingis, he's a pure shooter and pick-and-pop weapon with effortless three-point range. But it's Markkanen's ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own shot that resembles the Unicorn. 

Just as Porzingis wows with unusual step-backs and pull-ups for a big man, Markkanen separates off the dribble into balanced mid-range jumpers. He's shown the body control to attack and score on the move, as well as with one-handed touch over the shoulder.

Defense

The Nikola Mirotic (Chicago Bulls) comparison kicks in on defense, and it's not a good one: Markkanen isn't an impact player there. He doesn't offer rim protection, which could make it difficult to play him at center. But he's flashed enough foot speed to hold his own in one-on-one situations against smaller opponents away from the basket.

Markkanen isn't likely to emerge as a plus defender, and that lowers his ceiling below Porzingis'.

5. Harry Giles (Duke, PF, 6'10", Freshman)

NBA Comparison: Amar'e Stoudemire/Kevin Garnett

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism

Durability will play a major role in Harry Giles' development, but nobody will debate his talent, even if comparisons to former Phoenix Suns star Amar'e Stoudemire or Minnesota Timberwolves/Boston Celtics all-timer Kevin Garnett appear far-fetched. In terms of physical tools and style of play, he takes a page from both. 

At 6'10" with a 7'3" wingspan, he's the same height as Stoudemire, only 1 ¼" longer. And he's similarly explosive. These are the types of dunkers you fear could take down a basket or make them look nine feet tall instead of 10. 

Otherwise, Giles' frame, arms, skinny legs and quickness more closely resemble Garnett's attributes. 

Offensive Upside

Though Giles' skills are behind his size and athleticism, he'll be an offensive force if they click. Even without them, he's an animal around the basket as a finisher and offensive rebounder, like Stoudemire was. 

But he's also shown some of Garnett's versatility with ball-handling. Outside of his staying healthy, the big questions are how far Giles can take his post game and whether he can add a consistent jumper at the elbows and short corners. Those were strengths that helped both Garnett and Stoudemire separate and reach franchise-player levels.

Defensive Potential 

Nobody brings KG-like intensity, but Giles plays with plenty of fire and competitiveness.

With quick feet and terrific shot-blocking tools, he also has the chance to be an inside-out impact defender. His bounce and length translate to weak-side rim protection, and he's looked comfortable switching out onto wings.

Giles should wind up defending both 4s and 5s in the NBA.

4. Dennis Smith Jr. (North Carolina State, PG, 6'3", Freshman)

NBA Comparison: Damian Lillard/Steve Francis

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism 

At 6'3", Dennis Smith Jr. doesn't overwhelm with size or length. But he's quick and shifty like Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, with former Houston Rockets All-Star Steve Francis' explosive leaping ability thrown in. 

Scoring Point Guard 

Off the dribble, Smith also resembles Lillard. They both play low to the ground, have nasty handles and possess the ability to keep defenses off balance with change of speed or direction. Smith can be difficult to contain in ball-screen and isolation situations. He puts pressure on the defense and rim, and is skilled in the lane with floaters and advanced layups. 

Smith's pull-up game isn't as sharp as Lillard's, but the stop-and-pop jumper is still a weapon in the arsenal early on. 

The comparison to Francis has more to do with his hops at the hoop. Smith can launch himself above the rim or hang in the air, adjust and finish after contact. On the downside, he's also closer to Francis (career 34.1 percent from three) as a shooter and decision-maker (career 3.5 turnovers). 

Though capable of running pick-and-rolls and setting the table, all three of these guards are scorers before distributors.  

3. Jayson Tatum (Duke, SF, 6'8", Freshman)

NBA Comparison: Harrison Barnes 

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism 

Jayson Tatum and Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes measure up with 6'8" size and near identical wingspans (the former Golden State Warrior is a quarter-inch longer at 6'11 ¼" overall).

Barnes may have extra bounce, but these two are in the same tier athletically. 

Scoring and Shot Selection

Just as it is for Barnes, who currently averages 21.2 points and just 1.0 assist per game, scoring is Tatum's forte. He also operates from similar spots on the floor, particularly in the mid-range, which has become Barnes' office. The Mavs' new forward takes 31.2 percent of his attempts in the 16-to-30-foot range, where he shoots 48.6 percent, per Sports-Reference.com. 

An advanced one-on-one shot creator, Tatum can get himself two-point jumpers by pulling up, stepping back or jabbing at the defender. His shooting stroke is smooth inside the arc and capable behind it. But like Barnes, his shot selection includes a heavy dose of tough jumpers. And neither is a big passer or playmaker. 

Defense/Ceiling 

Tatum and Barnes both have strong defensive tools and can match up with different positions. They each have their moments, but we aren't talking about difference-making defenders. Scouts will be looking for defensive consistency from Tatum.

Still, when we look back five years from now, we aren't likely to view him as either a defensive asset or liability. Barnes is the same average-level stopper.

2. Josh Jackson (Kansas, SF, 6'8", Freshman)

NBA Comparison: Justise Winslow/Andrew Wiggins

Core Similarities

Physical Tools

An athletic small forward at 6'8", Josh Jackson's size and thin body make him look like budding Minnesota Timberwolves star Andrew Wiggins. They're both quick, light on their feet and bouncy. 

But Jackson isn't as long as Wiggins (7'0"). Length-wise, his wingspan (6'9 ¾") matches up closer with Miami Heat starter Justise Winslow's (6'10 ¼").

Defense/Motor

Jackson brings Winslow's defensive competitiveness and energy; he should similarly be able to cover 4s (once he strengthens his frame), wings and guards, as well make highlight plays on the ball.

Defense should be something for Jackson to hang his hat on if his offensive development stalls. The same still goes for Winslow. 

Wiggins' Scoring Potential, Winslow's Passing

Jackson's shot selection isn't far off from Wiggins' chops back at Kansas. While they both have explosive transition weapons, Jackson has shown similar mid-range scoring ability with the pull-up and floater in the half court. And though not likely to be consistent from three, he's capable, just as Wiggins was at the same age.

Jackson isn't as sharp, though. On the raw-to-polished scale, he's closer to Winslow, who still needs work as a shot creator.

Winslow does, however, average 3.9 assists. A strong, willing passer, Jackson's versatility closer resembles the Miami Heat sophomore's.

1. Markelle Fultz (Washington, PG, 6'4", Freshman)

Pro Comparison: D'Angelo Russell/Dwyane Wade

Core Similarities

Physical Tools/Athleticism 

At 6'4" with a 6'9 ¾" wingspan, Markelle Fultz is an inch shorter than L.A. Lakers wunderkind D'Angelo Russell with a matching length. But his athletic ability, which allows him to explode above the rim, is more on par with Chicago Bulls star Dwyane Wade's. 

None of these three players operate particularly fast, but each deceives with changes of speed and a fluid delivery.

Offensive Skills

Highly skilled, Fultz is a nifty ball-handler and sneaky passer with vision like Russell. He also shares similar shooting range, having hit eight of his first 17 threes. Visually, they look effortless when wheeling and dealing. 

But like Wade, Fultz is tougher off the dribble and a craftier shot creator, as well as a more versatile finisher around the basket. Just as Wade has done, Fultz can take over with advanced shot-making, whether it's via the step-back, pull-up or an acrobatic layup in the lane.

Fultz projects as a full-package guard who can facilitate for teammates or be the offense's No. 1 option. He'll spend time generating offense both on and off the ball throughout his career.