Dillingham vs. Branham is an interesting comp to me, as someone who likes both. I root for Branham and hope he figures things out. I think he will, whether he sticks here or not.
Branham. More of a curling, midrange, pacy threat. Developing deep range threat. Threat as a cutter. More of an in-the-flow scorer. Pretty savvy finisher inside. Seems kind of scared to play well, like he needs permission to be good. Strictly a spot-up three point shooter or stepping into the shot, not a movement shooter. Content to post on wings and get the ball on secondary actions. Getting better at boarding and getting assists. Good ball-handler, but does not necessarily see the floor while moving with it. Good size and strength for his position. Dies on screens, like he hits the screen and it's over, loses effort and attention, cancels himself from defensive plays when shots go up, like his role is over. Not really great instincts, either. Starting to use his body and strength better on defense, especially on drives. Need to watch more to see if he's canceling himself and dying on screens as much. I believe he can become a better defender but will require constant engagement and purpose.
Dillingham. Works best with the ball in his hands, at least initiating, but can play off-ball. Not sure he can scale down. Exceptional quickness and mobility, changing direction and exceptionally shifty with the ball. Superb counters at his age. I think few NBA defenders will prevent him from getting to where he wants to go. Can get to the rim but weak in finishing. Small player who plays even smaller. Good but not exceptional passer, looks for lobs and skip passes. Can get really hot. Seems to have a clutch mentality. Has very good range and can shoot threes in small spaces and in movement. Will never be a rebounder. Fouls a lot. Defense is a big issue. Partly due to poor coaching, although he's engaged, communicative, and is trying hard to get better (by watching on the court). Will never overcome his size. Is lead-footed and blown by on defense, but can probably improve with seasoning. Positioning, rotations, assignments, all a mess, but improving. Quickness can make up for screens, but needs to be done.
Vs. Really different players! In almost every way - how they like their shots, how they get them, even how they're bad at defense in different ways. To me Dillingham's range of outcomes is much wider -- bust potential, star potential. Branham I think is definitely an NBA pro-level guy, long-term career. Dillingham, could go either way.
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