This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The current crop of NBA rookies looks to be a special one — between the Lakers' D'Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota and Kristaps Porzingis making waves in New York City.
In their "rookies deconstructed" series, VICE Sports took a crack at evaluating what the Utah Jazz's rookie — bench celebration phenom and forward Trey Lyles — could become as he develops.
The verdict? A cross between Detlef Schrempf, Michael Beasley and Jared Jeffries.
Evaluating Lyles' game, the article cites his potential to exploit the mid-range game like Schrempf did effectively in the 80s and 90s, showcase the forceful athleticism of NBA bust Beasley, and to embrace the reinvention and versatility of Jeffries.
As for current comparisons, the piece drops the names of Draymond Green, Rashard Lewis and David West. Solid company to be in as the forward position evolves in the NBA.
"The Utah Jazz don't need him much this season, but they will someday soon. And when they do, they will need him to grow into himself and to grow into someone else. He may be the next Draymond Green. He may be the next Rashard Lewis. He may be the next David West. Any would be a great career; all are plausible."
— Brennan Smith
Twitter: @BrennanJSmith