I am not a huge fan of LaVine, who got on radars because he started the season on a hot shooting streak then ended it by jumping really high at the NBA combine. Still, with all that said I get this pick and am okay with it. Minnesota is in a bad spot, they're likely going to lose their superstar Kevin Love and want to trade him, but don't know if they're going to get any good offers. Their first round pick was outside the area where you can get a sure fire star, but before where you'd be satisfied just getting a role player. Therefore, I understand the desire to swing for the fences with LaVine, and gamble on his shooting becoming more consistent and that he can unlock his athleticism to be a top shooting guard, or that (and this is a longer shot) he can become a full time point guard. If everything works out, he might be a star; I wouldn't bet on it but the chances he becomes a useful player is more likely than not.
40. Glenn Robinson III, SF Michigan So. (6-7, 211)
Like LaVine, Robinson III is a raw athlete who has a long ways to go to reach his upside. He isn't particularly skilled at this point, struggling to create his own shot at times and not shooting from the outside with a ton of consistency. All this wouldn't be as big of an issue if he played hard all the time, but he doesn't which limits the impact that his considerable athleticism can have on the game. Robinson III will likely spend the year in the D-League honing his offense and defense, if he improves there I can see him having an impact, but it is a tough road ahead for him.
53. Alessandro Gentile, SG Italy (6-7, 227)
Gentile is an intruiging international selection because he is a big 2 guard with a serious scorers mentality and the skills to execute on that end. He is a classic offensive player who will attack the basket aggressively but if his jumper starts falling he can really get on a role. The issue is that the shot isn't always dropping from the outside and he may not have the athleticism to attack the rim as successfully in the NBA. That lack of athleticism may also hinder him defensively. Whether he ever comes to the NBA remains to be seen, but Gentile will need to improve his jumpshot to succeed there.
Projected Lineup
PG: Ricky Rubio/J.J. Barea
SG: Kevin Martin/Zach LaVine
SF: Corey Brewer/Chase Budinger/Shabazz Muhammad
PF: Kevin Love/Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
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