5. Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
Jalen Brunson has been a player on the rise from the start of his junior season and continues to be on the rise on team’s draft boards.
Brunson can get buckets, averaging almost 19 points per game for Villanova during this past season. He went up by almost five points from the previous season.
Brunson has a lot to offer to his game by attacking the basket, has a smooth jumper, can shoot from 3-point range, averaging almost 41 percent from 3-point range and can get others involved.
He was a huge part of why Villanova made a dominating run in this season’s NCAA tournament. He helped lead the Wildcats to the National Championship in early 2018 and was a part of them winning the national title two years ago as well.
One advantage that Brunson has over most of the other guards in the draft is the experience. Brunson has played in a lot of big games and been in big moments. Brunson also won the Wooden Award for the best player in division one college basketball as well.
The fit makes a ton of sense for the purple and gold because of the system that the Lakers play under head coach Luke Walton fitting Brunson’s style of play. The versatility he possesses can help him play off the ball while playing with Lonzo Ball as well.
Brunson also has a former college teammate in Josh Hart on the roster, so he would have some familiarity on the team.
Player Comparison: Brandon Jennings