The NBA Draft is this week!
In the aftermath of their Finals win over the Orlando Magic, everyone has been talking about what moves the Lakers will make in order to maintain their current Championship roster. Specifically, the free agent situation with Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom. It’s a topic that has been on the minds of Laker fans long before the postseason began. And rightfully so, since the Lakers currently have no space to take on another player.
Even Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak has spoken out on the issue and, in so many words, has said that the Lakers plan on drafting a player in the hope of keeping him overseas in order to avoid salary cap or roster implications. With the 29th pick in the 1st round, and the 42nd and 59th picks in the second round, I really don’t think we’re going to find any talent that will make the Lakers’ current lineup.
Ideally, we’ll be able to help the salary cap situation by taking the draft picks and Sasha’s 2 years at $5M a year contract off the books. There must be a team that wants a streaky shooter who plays matador defense and has a great knack for hacking after turning the ball over! Sasha has started wearing green again, so maybe we could wrap him up with some draft picks and send a sort of Trojan Horse gift to the Celtics? (Don’t kill me Vujachicks.) But I digress.
That’s one dream situation. A more realistic scenario is that we actually draft a player in the 1st round and have the two 2nd round picks play on the summer league team and then for our NBDL team, the D-Fenders. Now who might we get at those positions?
projects the following:
Derrick Brown – 6’8″ SF Xavier. Strengths: At a lanky 6-8, he has great size for the SF position … Has transferred his game effectively to the perimeter … Very explosive leaper … A southpaw, which gives him an unorthodox offensive game … Smooth release on his jumpshot; he has improved his accuracy and consistency drastically …His jab and shot fake are his go-to moves and are very effective, forcing the defenders to back off … He is a crafty finisher around the hoop using his wingspan to make tough shots … A very team oriented player, he looks to work within the offense to get his scoring opportunities …
Weaknesses: He has come a long way, but still lacks a specific go-to aspect to his game … A bit passive, does not look to take over and defers to teammates far too often … His first step is limited and his handles are a work in progress, which makes it difficult for him to get by people off the dribble … Nice leaping ability is somewhat wasted in the half court because he rarely gets his shoulders fully by the defender … He is much more consistent shooting with his feet set … His back to the basket game becomes predictable as he continuously turns to his right shoulder and shoots a fading jumper … Defensively, he lacks the lateral quickness to stay infront of perimeter players, and his body is not yet strong enough to let him guard PFs …
While ESPN Insider Projects:
Darren Collison – 6’2″ PG UCLA – Collison is a small guard, something Phil Jackson isn’t a big fan of. But he is super fast, has a smooth jumper and can get after it defensively. With Derek Fisher winding down his career, he’s worth a gamble here.
And CNNSi and Forum Blue & Gold project:
Jonas Jerebko – 6’9″ SF Italy – The champs face the luxury tax while trying to re-sign key free agents. They’ll draft an international player and keep him off the payroll for now.
With the Draft just a few days away, we’ll soon see how our team manuevers its way to try and ensure a repeat Championship performance. What are your thoughts Lakers Nation?
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