Physically, Booker is more comparable to Thompson than to Redick. Redick amazingly enough had a wingspan smaller than his height. You don't see too many guards stay in the NBA with measurables like that. Thompson had a slightly larger wingspan, but still only about 2" greater than his height.
Booker is fairly stocky for his size and age, while Thompson is more sinewy. Have to remember Booker is still pretty dang young, it's not expected for him to be a great physical speciman yet, nor does his game style require him to be.
He's a great shooter. Appears to really struggle creating his own shot. Does ok on defense. Can't get around screens very well, needs to get stronger. Occasionally gets lost on defense, but he's a freshman, that's expected.
As for whether I would want a player like JJ where we're picking...yes, you swing for the stars, but if you get a guy that can average ~14-15 ppg, shoot the ball extremely well, move the ball around, play smart, effective defense...then you're going to be just fine as a team. Guys like Oubre, Porz, etc might have more potential, but they are also a lot more likely to be out of the league in 5 years.
In fact, lets look at who got drafted before Redick: Bargnani, LMA, Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, Shelden Williams, Brandon Roy, Randy Foye, Rudy Gay, Patrick O'Bryant, Mouhame Sene.
Maybe Orlando should have taken the younger, more athletic, better defending higher potential player in Ronnie Brewer? Or Thabo Sefaloshalsoh?
Every player is going to be a gamble, except for your elite players like LeBron/Durant.
