8. JaVale McGee- C
Out of all the players that now inhabit the Lakers’ roster, JaVale McGee is probably the least interesting. That is not to say he will be bad for the team, it is just we know exactly what to expect from him.
McGee is a rim running center with average, at best, defensive ability who will play around 10-15 minutes per game. That is what he has been for the last five years and what he will continue to be during his time in Los Angeles.
With him being the only somewhat proven center currently on the roster, many assume McGee will be the full-time starter– but this may not be entirely true. Sure, he will likely be in the starting lineup on most occasions, but he will likely not play anywhere near as many minutes as the team’s other starters.
Why is this? For one, he just isn’t that good. Offensively, he is extremely limited. He provides a rim running lob threat as well as pretty good offensive rebounding, but that’s about it. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as he should excel in this role, playing alongside the numerous gifted passers on the Lakers.
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What will likely keep him off the court is his defense. He is an excellent shot blocker, producing a tremendous 4.6 percent block percentage (98th percentile), per Cleaning The Glass. But other than that he struggles on that end.
Every team that has ever had JaVale McGee has allowed more points per 100 possessions with him on the court than otherwise, with the lone exception being the 2010-2011 Washington Wizards.
This was especially true during his time with the Golden State Warriors. Last season the team gave up 3.9 more points per 100 possessions with him on the court (20th percentile.) The fact that one of the greatest teams to ever be assembled was much worse defensively with him on the court, despite his shot blocking ability, is very telling. This is due to the fact that he often loses his defensive assignment due to lack of awareness, is a poor pick and roll defender, and can be picked on by quicker guards after switches.
With his defensive woes, there is no way he is able to play big minutes for the Lakers, despite what some may assume.