Lakers Draft: The History of the Number Two Pick
By Nate Edelman
Dec 13, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2008: Michael Beasley
Another small forward who has struggled! Beasley was one of just two players in Kansas State history to receive All-American awards from the Associated Press. He was a finalist for the John Wooden award and was named the National Freshman of the Year by CBS Sports. He averaged a monstrous 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game in college. In the NBA, Beasley’s PER was an average of 14.9, a number too low for a player who was a walking double double in college. His WS/48 was also a low .046. Beasley has simply had an average career at best, not meeting his expectations.
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2007: Kevin Durant
Durant is easily the best player within this bunch of guys. Durant won the NBA MVP in 2014, played in 6 All-Star games, and was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2008. Durant’s average PER is a high 24.7, and has a WS/48 of .207. He is averaging 27.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Durant is a winner and can be built around.
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