Vitals
Age: 21
NBA Experience: 1 year
Contract Status: Signed thru 2011-12
2010-11 Averages: 3.1ppg, 1.3rpg, .2spg, 41% FG, 40% 3PT, 78% FT
Life as an NBA rookie is never easy. Life as an NBA rookie under Phil Jackson is usually miserable. PJ is known for his disdain of hoops youth. Naturally Devin Ebanks had few opportunities to show his stuff during his first season of pro hoops, appearing in just 20 games.
Many have compared Ebanks to former Laker Trevor Ariza. Aside from the similar body types and the fact they both donned #3 for the Purple and Gold there are some aspects of Devin’s game that resembles Trevor’s. Ebanks shows some of the athletic prowess Ariza did though not to the same degree. Also, Ebanks has a nice looking shot and could become a legit spot up shooter.
His season included an impressive showing in the summer league, a few memorable moments in the NBA, a stint in the D-League and an injury that cut his season short. In all there was enough shown for Mitch Kupchak to keep the former Mountaineer around for another year.
Going forward the Lakers will need a player like Ebanks. If he continues to improve as a perimeter defender and consistent shooter then there is no reason why Devin the Dude can’t become the Ariza reboot. Currently he’s mired at the bottom of the Lakers bevy of small forwards but a good showing in camp could change that…if there is a camp this year.