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The promising Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis, according to some NBA general managers, is one of the most talented players, if not the most, in the upcoming draft, according to ESPN analyst Chad Ford, cites LETA.

Ford said of Porzingis "isn't far behind Emmanuel Mudiay in terms of talent and potential – if he's behind him at all," with one general manager comparing the 19-year-old Latvian to Spanish super-star Pau Gasol.

"He's an athletic, super-skilled 7-footer who can do everything well," the general manager told Ford. "I was watching him warm up and had flashbacks to when I saw Pau Gasol take the floor for the first time in Spain, only this kid is much more athletic than Gasol, but plays with that same fluidity. I've been asking my team since then: Are you sure he's not the No. 1 guy? Are these guys in college really better than him?,'' said Ford.

Another long-time international scout told Ford: "He's my favorite player in this draft. I keep telling my staff: This one is not like other international players. He's the real deal. He's special in all the ways a player can be special. He just needs to get stronger. That's it. He's going to be a big-time pro."

Ford listed Porzingis as the top power forward in the draft, due to his size (6-foot-11), skill, athleticism and perimeter game. He also compared Porzingis to a Dirk Nowitzki or a more athletic Nikola Mirotic. Although Porzingis needs to get stronger, Ford has him going in the No. 4 to No. 6 range.