2013 NBA Draft: Grading the Lakers draft
By Jacob Rude
Dec 29, 2012; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly (34) shoots against Santa Clara Broncos forward Yannick Atanga (44) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers only had one pick on Thursday night, which they used on forward Ryan Kelly. Kelly, a four-year player from Duke University, fill the role of a stretch-four for the Lakers, which is something the Lakers needed last season. At best, Kelly could fill become a Ryan Anderson-like player.
We here at Lake Show Life give our grades for the Lakers pick
Jacob Rude – A-. I only give an A- because it is a late second round pick, and Kelly was the 48th pick for a reason. However, I had Kelly as #1 on my personal draft board of players in the Lakers range. Kelly is a very smart player who has great range for a 6’11 player. His defense will be criticized, but as someone who watched Duke many times this year, his defense isn’t as bad as some suggest. He’ll get playing on the Lakers this year, most likely filling in the minutes Antawn Jamison will leave vacated.
Caleb Cottrell – B+. I give this pick a B+ mostly because I like Erik Murphy a little bit more. I had Ryan Kelly third on my Big Board, and second (behind Murphy) on my Best Available list. I think Ryan Kelly’s ceiling is Ryan Anderson, so I am pretty high on him. As a 6’11 big man that can shoot, he should fit right in with Mike D’Antoni’s system. With Earl Clark’s return questionable, and Antawn Jamison leaving, Kelly should be able to get minutes in his first season.
Colin Lopez – With the 48th pick the Lakers took PF Ryan Kelly from Duke. I’ll give them a B+ on this pick. I was hoping for a wing who can defend, but in the 2nd round you aim for a guy who has one great skill. Kelly has that in 3 point shooting. The obvious comparison has been to Ryan Anderson of the New Orleans Pelicans and if Kelly reaches anything close to that type of success, the Lakers will have hit a home run. I would have preferred Kelly’s Duke teammate, Seth Curry, but I believe he’ll have a place on the Lakers roster next season.