NBA Draft 2016: 5 Best Fits for Lakers at No. 32

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Mar 17, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Arkansas Little Rock Trojans forward Maurius Hill (10) tries to put up a shot with Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) defending during overtime of Purdue vs Arkansas Little Rock in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

A.J. Hammons – Center, Purdue

Purdue’s A.J. Hammons has been described as a “boom or bust” prospect. The 24-year-old seven-footer had a solid senior season for the Boilermakers, averaging 15 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Hammons’s most valuable aspect is his low post defense. His 7’3” wingspan and quick foot work allow him to consistently block or alter shots at the rim, and even keep players from even attempting shots down low, a large part of why Purdue was a top-20 defensive team last season.

On the offensive end, he is an effective player in the low post, converting 58.5 percent of his shots in post-up situations. Hammons averaged 1.217 points per possession his senior season, making him one of the most efficient big men in the NCAA. The biggest knock on Hammons is his age, but the Lakers have shown in the past that they are willing to take older players. Having selected Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and Anthony Brown in the last two drafts and seeing them show massive potential in various ways.

Hammons struggles at times boxing out players of his size on the defensive glass, but being paired with Julius Randle down low would help minimize that weakness. While a flawed player, A.J. Hammons has lots of potential to become an impact player and can prove to be a key part of the future of the Lakers.

Next: No. 4 Stephen Zimmerman

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