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

Feb 16, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) smiles after a foul in the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Mackey Arena. Purdue won 71-61. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) smiles after a foul in the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Mackey Arena. Purdue won 71-61. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles against Iowa State Cyclones forward Jameel McKay (1) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles against Iowa State Cyclones forward Jameel McKay (1) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Brogdon – Small Forward, Virginia

If there was only one word to describe Malcolm Brogdon, that word would be “safe.” The former Virginia Cavaliers star averaged 18.2 points per game in his final season in Charlottesville while also posting impressive efficiency numbers, rating as one of the best players in the country in that regard. 

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While there isn’t much flash to his game, Brogdon is a fundamentally sound player and a top notch defender out on the wing. Brogdon won’t blow anyone away with his athleticism and his shooting stroke isn’t the prettiest to watch, but he still converted 39.1 percent of his three-point attempts at Virginia and distributes the ball well as a secondary option. Both of those aspects of Brogdon’s game are something that will definitely be appreciated by Luke Walton. 

While Brogdon is a bit undersized for the small forward spot at 6-5.5, his 6-10.5 wingspan more than makes up for whatever height he is lacking.  He struggles in isolation, but has a high Basketball IQ and his above average ball handling skills compensate for any weakness he may have when going one-on-one. Brogdon doesn’t have a high ceiling, but his high floor makes it likely that he will be a serviceable player for years to come.

Next: No. 2 Zhou Qi

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