4 prospects the Los Angeles Lakers should evaluate in March Madness
Clemson Forward Aamir Sims, Senior:
A 6’9” 245-pound senior forward with a chiseled physique, Aamir Sims intrigues as a four-year prospect coming out of Clemson. Sims declared for the draft after last season, but the NBA advisory board told him to stay for his senior season.
Good move: Sims has improved greatly from his junior to his senior season. This season, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 0.7 blocks per game, especially impressive given Clemson plays at a snail’s pace. Even more impressive: he shot a smooth 40.7% from three-point range this season.
Yes, there are viable NBA Draft prospects who played four years of college basketball. Sims has gotten better and better as a traditional power forward in a traditional football powerhouse at Clemson. There is no reason why he won’t get better in the NBA.
Forget the stats, check out his best game against the Miami Hurricanes. Judging by his highlight tape, he projects as an NBA-quality power forward at the next level.
If his footwork continues to develop, I can see him eventually contributing to a Lakers team in desperate need of big men. It is fair to say he may replace Markeiff Morris as the team’s backup power forward a few years down the line.
Alabama Guard John Petty, Senior:
Scouting reports compare John Petty to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Danny Green, who both started for the Lakers at one time. KCP made his shots, so he’s still there. Green didn’t, so he got traded this offseason – but is regaining his form with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Petty has similar upside, having shot nearly 40% from three-point range throughout his four-year career at Alabama. His length and quickness allow him to guard both guard positions.
Petty would fit nicely alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the nominal point guard when Dennis Schroder has to rest.
If one looks close enough, this shooting stroke looks very similar to KCP’s.
Moreover, Petty will be ready for the NBA’s style of play. His team, Alabama, plays like a fast-paced iteration of the Harden-era Houston Rockets. On offense, they shoot a bunch of three-pointers. On defense, they aggressively pressure the ball and switch everything.
Of course, there is one major caveat: Petty will most likely be taken midway through the second round. Like Talen Horton-Tucker, the Lakers must conjure up a future second-round pick and cash considerations to acquire Petty.
It’s worth it. The Lakers do not need a third star. They need guys to knock down shots when defenses collapse on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Petty is one of them.