Jordan Bell 6’9” Oregon
Jordan Bell shouldn’t be unknown to anyone who watched the final games of the NCAA tournament as he flashed big time on college basketball’s biggest stage. In the Elite Eight against Kansas, Bell blocked eight shots and grabbed 13 rebounds. Against North Carolina in the Final Four, he blocked four shots and grabbed 16 boards.
His ability to protect the rim earned him the 2017 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award. In that same vein, ESPN’s Chad Ford said Bell impressed with his performance during 5-on-5 games at the NBA combine:
"“He impacts the game in so many ways defensively,” one GM said. “His ability to switch and guard four, maybe five positions is his real value in the league. And I think he knows who he is. He doesn’t try to force things offensively. He’s going to earn his way onto a roster.”"
Bell is known as a defensive force but he is still raw on the offensive end of the floor. He looks to a player who realizes his limitations and has worked on improving his jumper.
Jordan Bell's stroke has improved. Has some touch from the corners. pic.twitter.com/900mS8iWL8
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 12, 2017
Bell doesn’t have size to play a traditional center in the NBA, his athleticism can make up for it. According the Draft Express, Bell’s 2.56 shuttle run time is the fastest in NBA Combine history. That type of agility will help cover up a lot of the Lakers defensive deficiencies.