Cal’s Ivan Rabb says Chris Bosh comparisons are natural

Cal power forward Ivan Rabb says he watches Chris Bosh and tries to emulate his game. He might be on the Miami Heat’s draft radar.

The Miami Heat are expected to remove Chris Bosh from their salary cap this summer, but they could also find his replacement in the upcoming NBA Draft.

During the NBA Draft combine this week, the team spoke with Cal power forward Ivan Rabb, who has drawn comparisons to Bosh due to his build and shooting ability. Via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:

"“I feel like we have a similar like mid-range package, go-to moves, the same kind of build,” he said, measuring at 6 feet 10 1/2 and 219 pounds at the combine, compared to Bosh’s listed 6-11, 235. “He uses both hands around the basket. I think he does a good job rebounding when he really wants to go get ’em. And I just like his game. That’s somebody I watched a lot.”"

Rabb also mentioned that he looks to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge as players he tries to emulate.

In Miami, Bosh extended his shooting range to the 3-point line, something that Rabb has yet to do. However, he’s confident he can develop that for whatever team drafts him.

"“I think because I work and I learn so quick, I think that won’t be a problem at all,” he said. “If a team needs me to do that, I’m going to work on that every day and I’m going to shoot with confidence.”"

Rabb hardly shot any 3’s in his two seasons at Cal, averaging just 0.6 attempts per game this past season. However, the offense didn’t ask him to do that. Rabb was primarily used as a post player and rim protector/rebounder. On defense, Rabb is a natural, and rather polished. On offense, he didn’t show much improvement between his freshman and sophomore seasons but, as he explained, he was doubled on most possessions.

I’ve heard the Bosh-to-Rabb comparisons before, and it’s not one that I love. It’s rather lazy.

When Bosh got to Miami, he was asked to get out of the post and extend his game to the perimeter, but in Toronto he was dominate in the post, and was supremely polished and more athletic than Rabb. He also had the ability to put the ball on the floor on occasion.

Rabb is actually closer to the Duncan side of the spectrum. He stays in his lane, sets good screens and inspires ball movement from the painted area. Judging by his 66 percent free throw clip, he should be able to develop his shot but it may not ever be his calling card.

Next: What are the odds the Heat land a top-3 pick?

I like Rabb, and he projects as a 4/5 in the NBA. He can rebound at an NBA level and, if he puts on a bit more weight, will hold his own defending in the post. He should be a valuable player and would be a fine pick at no. 14.