2013 NBA Draft: Experts Weigh In On Lakers Pick
By Jacob Rude
March 2, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly (34) shoots a free throw against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
While the Lakers had just one pick last night, they made the most of it with their selection of Ryan Kelly, a prototypical stretch four. Still, the selection was met with mixed reactions.
"Kelly fits the big man mold Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni loves. He can shoot, handle the ball and plays with a great basketball IQ. D’Antoni will be able to maximize his talents. It’s a great fit for him and the Lakers."
"C-. Does he help them re-sign Dwight Howard? Then this doesn’t matter."
"Kelly and Murphy are very similar players, both three-point shooting power forwards who can rebound inside but prefer to hang out in the corner on offense. Murphy is more physical, but Kelly is perhaps better suited for the NBA as a better athlete capable of playing small forward at times. Both were good picks. Grades: B+"
"C+. We’ll see if there’s any chance of making the Lakers’ roster, but he’ll have a legitimate shot. If I were the Lakers, I would have ran with a higher-upside pick, or at least someone that would have helped them more on the glass."
"You know it had to pain North Carolina alum Mitch Kupchak to draft a Duke product. Ryan Kelly missed part of his senior season with a foot injury, but he’s a versatile forward capable of scoring via pick-and-pop jumpers or on the low block"