Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; A general view as the names of the first round draft picks are displayed above the stage during the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers organization, players, fans, etc. are now only thinking about these three words: the NBA Draft. The draft, held in New York City on June 25, may be the biggest Laker event since the 2010 NBA Finals.
-== 5 Reasons Steve Nash Should Join Lakers’ Coaching Staff ==-
The Lakers have the opportunity to bring in a young star to build upon for the future, drastically accelerating the rebuild process the Lakers are currently in. But is this draft pick guaranteed to help the Lakers go back to their winning ways? Hardly. Busts happen in every draft. For example, who remembers Hasheem Thabeet?
After leading UConn to their first Final Four since 2004, Thabeet was drafted #2 overall to Minnesota and was compared to Dikembe Mutumbo. Since then, Thabeet has bounced around the league, and is now playing for the Grand Rapids Drive in the NBA D-League. He is largely considered one of the biggest draft busts of all time. But enough about Thabeet, this is a Lakers blog! How successful have the Lakers been in drafting players? Let’s take a look at some Lakers draft picks over the years and see how well they’ve turned out compared to their draft evaluations.
(Disclaimer: Julius Randle won’t be included, one NBA game is too small of a sample size. Ronnie Price and Carlos Boozer are also not included because there wasn’t enough draft information 10+ years ago. All draft evaluations are provided by nbadraft.net, bleacherreport.com, and draftexpress.com)
Next: The Second Round Surprise
Feb 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Clarkson
NBA Comparison: Michael-Carter Williams
Strengths:
“Quick guard with good size who has displayed point guard ability…Ran point the majority of the time during his lone season at Missouri…Athleticism also allows him to take advantage of bigger defenders, can shoot over them off the bounce or take them to the basket… Can score from all three levels and is able to create his own offense… Used to playing big minutes…Provides versatility at the guard sport, size and length to defend multiple positions…”
Weaknesses:
“Struggled shooting from the outside this past season, only shot 28.1% from 3 point range… Committed a lot of turnovers, his assist to turnover ratio is not ideal for a PG prospect… Still needs to add strength… has trouble with physical ability and athletic awareness… was not statistically efficient on that end of the floor.. Still a bit hitch in his shot…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Although just a rookie, Clarkson seems to have surpassed his draft expectations. Clarkson, averaging 25 minutes per game, averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He was also considered the only bright spot of last season. In my opinion, he definitely is better than his NBA comparison in Michael-Carter Williams. Carter-Williams isn’t a good enough passer or defender to make up for his woeful shooting, as he shot just under 40% from the field in the regular season. Clarkson has a higher ceiling and will be a great pro if he keeps progressing.
Next: Second Round Blue Devil
Apr 11, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) dribbles around Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Kelly
NBA Comparison: Nick Fazekas
Strengths:
“Kelly has a nice shot at being a stretch four in the league.. A highly skilled big with great instincts… A very accurate shooter.. Surprisingly efficient defender according to the numbers. Has very good handles for his size and decent vision in the half court.. Excellent passer and decision maker…”
Weaknesses:
“Does not seem to have a frame that will allow him to get much stronger… A better athlete than given credit for but still below average below NBA level.. Will struggle guarding more athletic and stronger forwards in the league.. Dies bit have great foot speed/ foot work, especially moving side to side.. Almost strictly a half court player… Will most likely need to find a team that fits his style in order to find his niche in the NBA.”
“How accurate was his evaluation?
I would say Kelly had an accurate evaluation, but this mainly refers to his weaknesses. Kelly’s Player Efficiency Rating/PER (a standardized measure of player production per minute) was 8.6 last season. To put things in comparison, the league PER average was 15. His win shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) was .027, where the NBA average was .100. Most noticeably, in my opinion, is Kelly’s defensive box plus/minus, a statistic that estimates the defensive points per 100 possessions a player contributed above a league average player, then translated to an average team. Kelly’s defensive box plus/minus is an astonishingly low -0.8. To put things in perspective, Andrew Bogut, the league leader in this category, finished with 5.5. I thought that Kelly’s NBA comparison was quite interesting (and somewhat hilarious) because I had no idea who Nick Fazekas was. Fazekas only lasted two years in the NBA before playing overseas, and now is playing in Japan. I thought this comparison was kind of mean, but it is also fitting because Kelly could be out of the league in a few years if he doesn’t improve.
Next: Big Man Out Of Gonzaga
February 20, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre (50) moves the ball against the defense of Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee (1) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Sacre
NBA Comparison: Michael Doleac
Strengths:
“Very much an old-school center with a handful of back-to-the-basket post moves… He might be the best FT shooter of any true post player alive… Smart defender and solid shot blocker, relying more on size and positioning than explosiveness when getting blocks… Has good lateral quickness on D for a big man which shows in his ability to defend against screens…”
Weaknesses:
“He often plays small, not using his size and strength advantage to bully opponents…. Lacks length… Not a great rebounder for his size, only averaging around 7 boards a game during his senior year… Doesn’t use his body to establish deep post position nearly enough… Can be inconsistent and disappear for stretches of the game if he’s not receiving touches in the post…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Like Kelly, Sacre has proven his weaknesses are more prevalent than his strengths. Last season, Sacre averaged with 11.4% total rebounds per game, a number that is far below the top rebounders in the NBA. Sacre’s prediction of being the “best free throw shooter of any true post player” is the most baffling. Sacre finished last season averaging 67.1% from the free throw line, placing him between Jeff Withey and JaVale McGee when looking at NBA center’s free throw averages. At least Sacre didn’t have high expectations to begin with, as he was the last overall pick in the 2012 draft.
Next: The Swaggy Trojan
Jan 23, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Nick Young (0) reacts after a shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Young
NBA Comparison: Josh Howard
Strengths:
“Young is a throwback player who really understands how to employ the mid-range jumper… Ball handling ability is above average… Will use a number of spins, hesitation moves and crossovers to gain separation for his pull-up jumper… When he moves without the ball he shows solid ability to work off screens, hesitation moves and crossovers to gain separation for his pull-up jumper… When he moves without the ball he knows solid ability to work off screens and convert catch and shoot… Post up skills are advanced as he welcomes the opportunity to shoot his turnaround jumper…”
Weaknesses:
“Goes through periods in the game where he will settle for the jumper instead of the driving to the basket and drawing fouls… Doesn’t get to the line as much as he should because of this… Doesn’t always maintain a high level of intensity on defense… Some questions have been raised as to whether he has the killer instinct and toughness to consistently compete…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Swaggy P has had a very interesting NBA career. It started off on the wrong foot when he (and three other players) was fined $10,000 apiece when participating in Gilbert Arenas’ shenanigans involving Arenas pointing his fingers as a pair of guns at teammates and “shooting” at them. Off the court, Young is also known for his sense of fashion and is constantly a favorite of the media, recently saying last month he blames his season-long struggles on the rim and wants to “take her out on a date or something.” On the court, the “Prophet of Swag” has shown to be a real liability on defense. To put things in perspective, the Defensive Box Plus Minus or DBPM (a statistic measuring defensive points per 100 possessions a player contributes to a above-average league player, translated to an average time) of Young has always been in the negatives, last season being -4.3. The top 10 defenders in the NBA all have DBPMs over 3.0. Young’s PERs over the years have always been below average, except in 2013-14 when he finished with 16. Young’s WS/48 have also all been dreadful, averaging .053 in his career. Young can score, but that’s it.
Next: Harvard's Finest
Mar 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives the ball around Charlotte Hornets guard Brian Roberts (22) during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jeremy Lin
NBA Comparison: Zabian Dowdell
Strengths:
“Noticeably has a quick first step… Has nice touch around basket, he’s just very crafty with the ball, excellent at changing direction… He sees a lane and takes it, and he’s not afraid to get fouled… Uses on-ball screens very well with an ability to explode to the hoop, solid handle, above average crossover and shows the ability to split double teams with ease… Can get in the paint and make plays for others…Great awareness and reaction time… Has shown the ability to step up in big games and make clutch plays…”
Weaknesses:
“Lacks a true position… His dribble is too high making it easy for opponents to strip the ball away… Doesn’t seem to have much of a mid-range game, has the ability to shoot the 3 but definitely not a strength… Does not seem confident at all when taking a jump shot, passes on wide open shots at times which he won’t be able to do at the next level… Much more effective spotting up than creating shots off the dribble… Plays in a very weak conference (Ivy League) so his lack of competition and experience on a big stage is a hurdle…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Linsanity, that one month back in 2012 when Lin looked like a star. That one bizarre month when Lin arrived on the national stage with the help of coach Mike D’Antoni. If Lin didn’t have Linsanity, he may not be in the NBA. After his one month of fame was over, Mike Woodson was hired and Lin was never the same player again. Lin’s WS/48 and PER in his one year with the Knicks were outliers when compared to his other years in the NBA, as Lin finished with a WS/48 of .140 and a PER of 19.9. Lin’s DBPM has also decreased in every year since he has been in the NBA, most recently finishing with -1.3 with the Lakers. Zabian Dowdell, (like Lin) went undrafted and bounced around overseas. Lin may have a similar fate, as his status in the NBA went back down to “uncertain” after his abysmal season in L.A.
Next: Lottery Pick From Syracuse
Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Lakers won 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Wesley Johnson
NBA Comparison: Eddie Johnson/Shawn Marion
Strengths:
“Wes has all the tools, and fits the description of your classic athletic small forward… He’s quick and slippery when moving in the lane… Has a strong mid-range game that will only get better… Can spot up from short or deep, but seems to excel at shooting off one dribble after his quick first step… Extremely unselfish, the offense rarely becomes stagnant when the ball is in his hands… An underrated passer showing excellent vision and passing skills for a 3… Can quickly move from weak-side to ball-side…”
Weaknesses:
“Sometimes Wes settles or relies too much on his jump shot, and when it’s not on that day, he can disappear for long stretches throughout the game… When guarded by stronger defenders, he tends to pull back for tougher jump shots as opposed to taking it strong and drawing the foul… Has trouble creating off the dribble, most of his opportunities come after one dribble or a catch and shoot…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
People may have forgotten Johnson was drafted fourth overall in 2010 by Minnesota and was taken over stars DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George. Johnson’s WS/48 has always been below average in his five years in the NBA. Interestingly, when Johnson played for the Suns, he finished with a WS/48 of 0.0. That means for that season, Johnson contributed to exactly zero wins for Phoenix. Johnson’s PERs as a NBA player have always been below average, but has been its best during his two seasons in a Lakers uniform, finishing with 11.0 and 11.1. It is too early to label Johnson as a “bust” as he is only 27 and has time to improve, but definitely is heading in that direction.
Next: Arizona Big Man
Apr 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill (27) takes a shot over Sacramento Kings forward Carl Landry (24) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Hill
NBA Comparison: Chris Bosh
Strengths:
“Has the ideal size and length for a PF… He has worked on his body, adding some bulk and definition to an already wiry frame… He is comfortable operating from the high post, either shooting a nice looking midrange shot, or utilizing his quickness and putting the ball on the floor to get to the hoop… He has become a rebounding force on both ends of the floor, he attacks the O glass relentlessly and is able to use his body to control the paint of the defensive end… With his developing frame and ability to knock down midrange shots, he has the potential to become a very good weapon in screen & roll situations…”
Weaknesses:
“When operating in traffic or while facing double teams, he struggles, putting his head down and turning the ball over frequently… A part of the problem could be his hands, often times he doesn’t catch the ball clean, which allows the defense to converge on him… On the block he favors his right hand on finishes (even when turning his right shoulder.)… While he has made strides with his maturity, there are still periods of lackadaisical play he goes through…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Hill may be the only player on this list who has vastly improved during his time as a Laker. Hill was originally drafted eighth overall to the Knicks and did not meet initial expectations, but ever since he became a Laker, his stats went up. Last season he averaged a career-high 12 points. His WS/48 and PERs as a Laker were the best in his NBA career, finishing with WS/48 of .147, .141, and .055, and PERs of 18.5, 19.3, and 16.2. Hill is probably the most NBA “qualified” compared to his other Laker teammates at this point, and is the Lakers biggest trade asset as well. He is still on the books for one more year, making $9 million next season.
Next: Championship Winning Tar Heel
Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Wayne Ellington (2) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Lakers won 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Wayne Ellington
NBA Comparison: Francisco Garcia
Strengths:
“The sweet shooting guard has become one of the best shooters in this class… He has expanded his shooting repertoire, and is now lethal coming off screens, spotting up, or shooting off the dribble… He shoots with tremendous balance, a high arc and has an extremely soft touch… Whether in transition or the half court, he is very good at stopping on a dime and pulling up, while his defender is still backing up…Understands the difference between a good and bad shot, but is not afraid to take the contested ones when the situation calls… A great team guy, comes from a winning background…”
Weaknesses:
“Not a great athlete, both in terms of quickness and leaping ability… He has a fairly weak and extremely light frame which gives him problems getting a shoulder by defenders and even more trouble finishing against physical opponents… Shies away from contact… Falls in love with the outside shot, even though he handle has improved, he still does not consistently get to the basket… Defensively, he could be a liability, he struggles staying in front of people….”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Ellington reminds me a lot of Wes Johnson, two small forwards of the same age who entered the NBA Draft a year too early and have both struggled to find their niche in the NBA. They are both 27 years old. Ellington’s PER last season was 11.6 while Johnson’s was 11.1. Like Johnson, Ellington has low WS/48 statistics, and are all below the NBA average of .100. Last season, Ellington averaged a solid 10 points per game and finished with a field goal percentage of .412. His real area of concern (like his draft prediction stated) was his defense, where he finished with a very low -2.6 DBPM. Ellington is now a free agent, and it is unclear if the Lakers want to bring him back as he still has a lot of prove.
Next: Another Tar Heel
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Ed Davis
NBA Comparison: P.J. Brown/Alan Henderson
Strengths:
“Long, athletic, lefty post player who shows a great deal of potential… Has a great feel for playing in the post offensively, with crafty fakes and up and under moves… Shows excellent touch in the paint converting lefty hook shots and looks to dunk everything… His long arms and explosive leaping ability allow him to finish with explosive dunks even when attacking the basket from a few feet out. Does not have a superstar attitude, he has a workman’s approach to the game that is refreshing to see…”
Weaknesses:
“Needs to add strength… Does not have a big (wide shoulders) frame so he’s never going to be an overpowering type of post guy… Added strength will make him a terror around the basket as he’ll be able to fully utilize his great length and improve his finishing ability… His lefty jump hook shot shows nice potential but he often came up short…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Nevermind, Jordan Hill wasn’t the only one to improve as a Laker. Davis has surprisingly good stats in his career, out-performing many of his teammates in the statistical categories I have mentioned before. Davis’ WS/48 throughout his career have always been above NBA average, with his most recent stat as .164. Davis’ DBPM was 1.9 last season, his second highest in his career behind his second season in Toronto. Most noticeably, in my opinion, was Davis’ PER as a Laker, when he finished with a very respectable PER of 20. Davis is only 25 and is improving game by game. He is on the books for $1.1 million next year, which is looking like a great deal for the Lakers.
Next: Jordan Clarkson's Running Mate
Mar 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jabari Brown (15) goes up for a shot defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Elton Brand (bottom) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jabari Brown
NBA Comparison: Bobby Phills
Strengths:
“A real good perimeter scorer first and foremost… Likes to shoot the 3 ball and does so with good efficiency and touch… Able to hit pull-up jumpers and shots off screens, and has a compact shooting motion with nice elevation… Pretty strong… Improved ball-handling was the key to his breakout season… Can drive to the rim and is strong enough to get shots up after contact… Generally takes smart shots, plays at his own pace and doesn’t really force the issue… Decent player on the glass… Has the tools to be a good instant offense piece for a team on the wing…”
Weaknesses:
“Brown is a bit of a one trick pony, being a good scoring threat with no other truly strong traits… His handle has improved but is just still OK and needs further work… Not an explosive athlete, and is not likely going to finish at the rim that often in the NBA… Slightly undersized for a SG prospect, but nothing too major… Often is seemingly too relaxed on the court, especially on defense…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
It’s hard to tell how Brown will end up as he only has been in the NBA for one year. Furthermore, he has only played 19 games as a Laker. During this small window, Brown finished with a PER of 11 has a FG% of .412, averaged just under 12 points a game. Brown still has a lot to improve, as his WS/48 was only .033 and DBPM was an atrocious -3.0. Brown is only 22, and will be a Laker for a modest price of $1.22 million.
Next: Feeling A Little Blue?
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
March 16, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Tarik Black (28) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12, right) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Tarik Black
NBA Comparison: Kenneth Faired (by Byron Scott)
Strengths:
“Black has the bulk to establish deep post position and did a pretty regular basis last season, despite not having the personnel needed to get him the ball in a position to score on a consistent basis… works extremely hard to carve out superior position, where his big, strong hands, improving footwork and propensity for finishing above the rim through contact…”
Weaknesses:
“He does not posses a wide array of post moves at this stage, but isn’t afraid to battle inside the paint… Black didn’t show any time of face-up game as a freshman, being more of an undersized center than a true power forward as his height would indicate. He doesn’t know anything in the way of ball-handling skills or jump-shot, things he’ll need to develop down the road if he’s to become a more versatile offensive threat.”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Black was largely a question mark when he joined the Lakers, but soon turned out to be a pleasant surprise and a fan-favorite. As a Laker in 38 games, Black averaged 7.2 points and brought down 6.3 rebounds per game. On top of that, Black’s PER was 16.3 in his 38 games in purple and gold, and finished with a WS/48 of .129. Black’s DBPM was a low -0.2, but was a big improvement from his time in Houston, where he finished with a DBPM of -1.3. Black is only 23 and has shown to be the second most promising Laker last season, behind Jordan Clarkson. Black is back on the Lakers next year at a cheap price of $1.18 million.
Next: Former Lakers & Their Draft Evaluations
Jul 18, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Andrew Goudelock dribbles around Miami Heat guard James Nunnally during an NBA Summer League game at Cox Pavillion . Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Goudelock
NBA Comparison: Jannero Pargo
Strengths:
“Quick combo-guard with a deadly shooting stroke… Very energetic offensively…Hard to defend… Good in isolation situations… Employs an excellent pull-up jump shot with a quick and efficient release… Prolific three- point shooter… Has legitimate NBA range and then some…”
Weaknesses:
“Undersized for a shooting guard at the next level… Not very skilled in the paint, due to his below average athleticism and size… Most of his offense comes from the perimeter… A solid passer but certainly not a true point guard… Turnover prone….”
How accurate was his evaluation?
This YouTube video explains it all:
The “Mini Mamba” was a fan favorite during his one full season as a Laker. But as the video shows, Goudelock can only do one thing: shoot the ball. Plus on top of that, Goudelock only showed to have two types of shots: shooting the three and a running floater. That was all Goudelock could do. Goudelock’s PER in his stint as a Laker was 8.4, and his WS/48 was 0.11, both well below league averages.
Next: Another Laker Pick That Didn't Pan Out
Feb 23, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Darius Morris (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Darius Morris
NBA Comparison: Ramon Sessions/Andre Miller
Strengths:
“Confident lead guard with a good amount of mismatch potential… Excellent size for a point guard… Very aggressive.. Can drive well with either hand…Tremendous court vision… Good teammate and a vocal leader on the floor… A true point guard with a good feel for the position and at just 20 years of age has solid potential…”
Weaknesses:
“Doesn’t possess any outstanding athletic qualities… Not an explosive leaper… Lacks great speed or quickness… Underdeveloped catch-and-shoot ability hurts his potential to play well without dominating the ball… Only an average defender due to lack of lateral speed… learning the NBA position on the fly is a challenge.”
How accurate was his evaluation?
This prediction of Morris was very accurate. Morris is an athletically below-average point guard in a league that has been more centric on point guard play than ever before. In his last season as a Laker, Morris finished with .016 WS/48 and finished with a PER of 8.1. Morris is currently on the Brooklyn Nets, but may not last long in the NBA.
Next: This Guard Couldn't Stay Out Of Trouble
Javaris Crittenton
NBA Comparison: Steve Francis
Strengths:
“Tremendous combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability… Quick first step… Excellent vision and passing skills… Very quick, an elite level athlete… Very unselfish player… Has a great attitude, confident but not cocky…”
Weaknesses:
“Can be too unselfish at times trying to get everyone involved when he is the top scoring option…. Can be too aggressive defensively and get caught reaching, picking up unnecessary fouls… he can continue to improve (as a point guard) upon dictating tempo and learning the nuances of the position…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
Wow, the Lakers last first round pick before Randle was all the way in 2007 with Crittenton. (They traded Toney Douglas on draft night in 2009.) Crittenton only lasted 22 games as a Laker before being packaged in the blockbuster trade to land Pau Gasol. In his 22 games, Crittenton had a PER of 11 and had a very WS/48 minutes at .013. But off-the-court issues defined Crittenton, as he was involved with a locker confrontation with Gilbert Arenas back when he was on the Wizards, and was charged of murder in 2011. Crittenton can be officially proclaimed as a bust.
Next: This UCLA Bruin Thrived In Los Angeles
Jordan Farmar
NBA Comparison: Luke Ridnour
Strengths:
“True point guard with excellent vision and passing ability… Sees plays before they develop, finds teammates the instant they become open, the mark of a great passer… Very good shooter with range… Uses change of speeds well… Plays solid team defense, reading passing lanes for steals…”
Weaknesses:
“Athleticism and strength could be an issue for him in the NBA… A big or real physical guard can push him around… Turnover prone, can get caught up trying to be too fancy… Lacks explosiveness and finishing ability around the basket… Not especially long or tall, can’t see over defenses and must make ball fakes to get passes over or around bigger defenders…”
How accurate was his evaluation?
People may forget Farmar was one of the draft picks the Lakers acquired in the infamous Shaq trade. Farmar was the backup point guard on two championship teams, and did well when called upon. Looking at his success with the Lakers, I would say Farmar was an overall success in the NBA. His draft predictions were spot on, as they implied “reserve/role player” when reading the evaluations. Farmar’s PERs in his four years as a Laker were 10.8, 15.4, 9.9, and 12.3. On top of that, his WS/48 was .093 and .05 during the Lakers back-to back championship. Although Farmar didn’t turn out to be a star, he did meet his draft expectations and helped bring championships back to LA.
Next: Last, But Not Least...The Mamba
Oct 8, 2013; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (center) and Jordan Farmar react during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kobe Bryant
Draft Prediction:
How accurate was his evaluation?
Five championships later, we all know how his career turned out.