The Los Angeles Lakers have gone through the 2024 offseason with a clear focus on building for the future. Los Angeles retained both of its draft picks, added multiple undrafted free agents, and have aggressively sought out ideal prospects to develop on two-way contracts.
Unfortunately, one of the Lakers' more promising undrafted signings ended up being waived in favor of a player at a position of need.
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 NBA Draft, Los Angeles signed former Pittsburgh Panthers star Blake Hinson. Hinson looked the part of a potential fit for the rotation, but was unfortunately cut just ahead of training camp to make space for the signing of Christian Koloko.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Hinson has landed on his feet by signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State Warriors and Blake Hinson have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Hinson, who was on a two-way deal with the Lakers, chose the Warriors over several teams. He averaged 18.5 points and shot 42.1% from 3-point range at Pittsburgh last season. pic.twitter.com/OC8hyOBDYd
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 19, 2024
Hinson hasn't yet played in the Association, but his skill set projects to earn him minutes in the G League and a potential role on an NBA-level roster.
Golden State Warriors sign Blake Hinson after Lakers departure
Hinson earned All-ACC honors in 2022-23 and 2023-24, securing First Team recognition during the most recent season. Standing at 6'6" and 240 pounds with a 6'10.25" wingspan, he's one of the more intriguing incoming rookies from a physical perspective.
A powerful athlete who can create space with his strength, Hinson could refine his positive attributes and become a quality contributor in the NBA.
Beyond his physical measurements and abilities, Hinson is one of the best pure shooters to emerge from the class of 2024. He knocked down 38.0 percent of his 255 three-point field goal attempts in 2022-23 and increased that number to 42.1 percent on 261 shots in 2023-24.
Overall, Hinson finished his senior season with averages of 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 three-point field goals made on .454/.421/.669 shooting.
Hinson turned heads at Summer League, turning in a collection of quality performances for Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he won't be joining the South Bay Lakers in 2024-25, and will instead have a chance to prove himself with the Santa Cruz Warriors.
It's understandable for the Lakers to have prioritized signing Koloko when depth at center is a weakness, but losing Hinson to the Warriors could come back to haunt them.
Hinson will need to improve on defense and prove that his three-point shot can translate to the next level. There's talent to be explored, however, and writing him off because he's a 24-year-old rookie was a fool's errand for 28 other franchises.
The Lakers have shooters of their own to build with, but giving up on Hinson before he's played a single G League minute is a tough pill to swallow.