With the 2nd pick in the 2015 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select...D'Angelo Russell from The Ohio State University." NBA commissioner Adam Silver uttered these words Thursday night as the Lakers used their highest draft pick since James Worthy in 1982.
It's safe to say most Lakers fans were a bit surprised by the pick. Not because Russell was undeserving, but because it had almost been a forgone conclusion that the Lakers would simply select whichever big man prospect that was not picked at #1. This is because the Lakers have a rich history of talented big men who have helped them produce championships. Additionally the Lakers have a gaping hole at the center spot on their roster right now. I could actually start at center for the Lakers, and you wouldn't notice a drop off in performance from last season. Putting two and two together, most fans and sports writers believed the Lakers would select a center since we need one, and the two available were projected to be really good.
Enter D'Angelo Russell.
I'll admit I was surprised they picked him too. But not in a bad way. Like in the way you're surprised when you leave work on a Friday, and there's no traffic on the way home. It was a pleasant surprise! I didn't think the Lakers would go against conventional wisdom that says you should pick a big over a small. Ever since Russell was brought to my attention last year, it was clear this dude can play the game of basketball. But we'll get to that in the next section. Even better still for the business side of the house, D'Angelo has that LA personality. He has a ton of natural charisma and isn't afraid of the spotlight. In the end I think that, combined with his skills, made him a can't miss pick for the Lakers. One which I agree with. (I had him at #2 on my personal board after Towns).
The Lakers also had two other draft picks which they used on Larry Nance Jr (#27) and Anthony Brown (#34). They also offered summer league contracts to forward Branden Ashley and center Robert Upshaw. I will cover these players in a follow on post :). I'm really excited about Upshaw. We're desperate for a center and he's got all the skills we would need at that position. His only question mark is if he can get his head on straight. Much more or follow on that. He has the potential to be an even bigger steal than Jordan Clarskon...
So let's take a look at D'Angelo Russell and see what kind of player he was in college, and what type of player he can be in the NBA. Here are some of his strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths
Passing ability/IQ
Shooting
Ball handling
Unselfish but not afraid to take over
Weaknesses
Doesn't have elite athleticism
Lacks strength
Needs better moves for finishing at the rim
NBA comparison (play style): Stephen Curry, James Harden, Manu Ginobli
Russell plays the game very smoothyly. What I mean by that is he's always in control. He controls the pace and tempo of the game. He's able to manipulate the defense with his high basketball IQ, and sees plays develop before they happen. He always makes the right pass at the right time. Whether it leads directly to he assist or it is the pass the leads to the assist he usually has his hand in it. Additionally, because he is a deadly shooter off the dribble or in catch and shoot situations it makes the defense have to respect him. They can't give him too much space so it opens up lanes for his passing game.
D'Angelo is equally adept at playing up tempo as he is at playing in a half court offense. With him, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle the Lakers have 3 promising younger players who can all initiate the offense by creating for themselves or others. It will make for EXCITING basketball a few years down the road. Without further ado, here's a great highlight video showing Russell's play style:
Laker fans should be excited about the future with D'Angelo Russell on board. They obviously saw enough talent in him to take a risk in drafting him against conventional wisdom over Jahlil Okafor. More posts to follow on his development. The next two articles will be on what moves the Lakers should make in free agency and a look at the other two draftees from Thursday night.
Also, in a month I'll be apart of a team doing missionary work in Kenya. We'll be working in Kibera Slums which is the largest slum in Africa and is home to over 2 million people. There is one toilet with plumbing for every 2000 people there. We are in need of prayers and financial assistance. If you'd like to give you can at the link below:
www.wateroflifecc.org/gorgive
Register and then select Kenya Team 1 and my name is Jason
Thank you SO MUCH for your help. Any amount counts :)
Go LAKERS
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