Lakers Draft Evaluations: Comparing Then & Now
By Nate Edelman
Apr 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Vander Blue (12) dribbles against Sacramento Kings guard Nik Stauskas (10) in the first half during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Vander Blue
NBA Comparison: Jimmy Butler
Strengths:
“Blue has the athleticism and build of an NBA 2-guard, though he’s slightly undersized at 6’4.” He’s around the 200-pound range, but he’s got the shoulders and arms that look like they can handle some extra muscle. Blue is vest attacking the rim when the driving lane is available. He’s got the ability to accelerate and hit the gap, along with the reach and touch to finish on the move. Blue shined defensively for coach Buzz Williams and projects favorable as a perimeter defender at the next level.”
Weaknesses:
“Though Blue expanded his offensive game, he didn’t convert at a high enough clip. Very few shooting guards can be successful NBA players without a jumper, and Blue has the tools to have a good one. Blue’s jumper needs to be considered reliable in order for coaches to give him a shot. An undersized 2 who can’t shoot is going to have a tough time making a roster, never mind cracking a rotation.”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Vander Blue has the smallest sample size out of all the Lakers here, as he only played two games in purple and gold. Blue averaged 11 points a game and finished with a PER of 4 as a Laker. His WS/48 and DBPM statistics also fell both far in the negatives. Blue’s career is still young and unclear and is a free agent in July.
Next: Big Man From Memphis