Los Angeles Lakers Draft Review

7. Julius Randle, PF Kentucky Fr. (6-9, 250)
The Lakers lucked out, getting one of the top 5 players in the draft and one that fits their needs and team structure perfectly. Julius Randle fell because of concerns about a broken foot as well as suffering from some over-exposure. He is a much needed young talent for the Lakers, a beast on the boards and can really score in the post as well. Most importantly he is ready to contribute on a winning team right away, which is exactly what the Lakers want to be as soon as possible. Los Angeles may even end up trading him, though they'd be smarter to stick with Randle unless the return is unbelievable because sooner or later they're going to need young, premium talent. They can't always lure everyone with the L.A. lights, as they found out with Dwight Howard. They've got a potential 20/10 rookie big man and future All-Star in Randle, it's been a long time since you could say that.

46. Jordan Clarkson, G Missouri Jr. (6-5, 186)
The Lakers made another solid selection in the second round with Jordan Clarkson, a big, athletic combo guard who could become a full time point guard with some work. Clarkson is at his best getting into the paint where he can finish at the rim or find teammates. He is more a playmaker than someone who is going to run an offense at this point and his shooting has been very up and down, most recently down, so there is some risk that if he doesn't take to the point guard conversion, you're left with a shooting guard who can't shoot. Clarkson will likely spend a lot of the year in the D-League where he can get in game experience.

Current Lineup

PG: Steve Nash/Jordan Clarkson

SG: Kobe Bryant

SF: ???

PF: Julius Randle/Ryan Kelly

C: Robert Sacre

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2014 NBA Mock Draft: 5/20

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jabari Parker, SF Duke Fr. (6-8, 235)

The Cavs win the lottery, again. Fortunately this is a difficult draft to mess up. Jabari Parker isn't he best prospect in this draft, but he's the most likely to help get the Cavs to the playoffs next season.

2. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins, SF Kansas Fr. (6-8, 200)

The Bucks don't win the lottery but they still get the best player. Wiggins should become the star that the Bucks need and can't get in other ways.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dante Exum, G Australia (6-6, 196)

The Sixers would love Parker or Wiggins, but if both are drafted ahead of their spot, they'll pick between Exum and Embiid. With Nerlens Noel on the roster and Embiid's back injury, it breaks the tie between two excellent players.

4. Orlando Magic: Joel Embiid, C Kansas Fr. (7-0, 250)

If healthy, Embiid is a force on both ends of the court and massive upside. He easily could be the next in line or game-changing big men in Orlando.

5. Utah Jazz: Julius Randle, PF Kentucky Fr. (6-9, 250)

The Jazz will likely be choosing between Smart and the power forwards, but Randle is the best fit for them, a team with a pick and roll point guard and an offense that can struggle at times.

6. Boston Celtics: Noah Vonleh, PF Indiana Fr. (6-9½, 247)

The Celtics could take Smart as their heir apparent to Rajon Rondo, but Vonleh has much bigger upside and can be the rim-protecting big man they desperately need. 

7. Los Angeles Lakers: Marcus Smart, G Oklahoma State So. (6-3¼, 227)

The Lakers could really go any way here even a wild card like local product LaVine, however Smart is the kind of player that is a great starting point in a rebuild and can match Kobe's intensity and drive.

8. Sacramento Kings: Aaron Gordon, PF Arizona Fr. (6-8¾, 220)

The Kings dropped a spot, but should still get a great player because there is a drop off after the top 8. Aaron Gordon is a perfect fit on Sacramento and next to DeMarcus Cousins. To do the dirty work and not have to bear much of a scoring role. 

9. Charlotte Hornets (from Detroit): Doug McDermott, SF Creighton Sr. (6-7¾, 218)

The Hornets can go a number of ways here, but McDermott is perfect for their offense. He can space the floor for Al Jefferson and provide another scorer on the wing.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans): Nik Stauskas, SG Michigan So. (6-6½, 207)

With Exum, Noel, Thad Young, and Michael Carter-Williams as building blocks, the Sixers will be in need of shooting. Stauskas is the best shooter in the draft and can also create plays off the dribble.

11. Denver Nuggets (from New York): Gary Harris, SG Michigan State So. (6-4½, 205)

The Nuggets could use both shooting and perimeter defense, which is what Harris provides. He may not have star upside but should be a rotation player for a long time.

12. Orlando Magic (from Denver): Tyler Ennis, PG Syracuse Fr. (6-2½, 182)
The Magic would like to move on from Jameer Nelson and I don't think they see Victor Oladipo as a point guard long term. Therefore Ennis, a steady and solid point guard makes sense. It is a good fit for him too, next to the athletic defender Oladipo.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach LaVine, SG UCLA (6-5¾, 181)
Some team is going to going to take a chance on the raw, athletic LaVine. The Timberwolves makes sense because they have a lot of talent and won't be killed if he busts, but could be taken to the next level if he hits. Obviously if/when Kevin Love is traded can change a lot.

14. Phoenix Suns: Dario Saric, PF Croatia (6-11, 223)
With 3 first round picks, the Suns can afford to invest in a prospect who may stay in Europe for a little while. Saric is the best of the options and too talented to not get drafted in the lottery despite his contract in Europe.

15. Atlanta Hawks: Jusuf Nurkic, C Bosnia (6-11, 280)
The Hawks have showed that they are willing to take risks as well as draft international players. Jusuf Nurkic is incredibly talented but also carries some risks as well. 

16. Chicago Bulls (from Charlotte): Elfrid Payton, PG Louisana-Lafayette Jr. (6-3¾, 185)
The Bulls desperately need to find someone who can create his own shot, which is exactly what Payton excels at. He is also a fierce perimeter defender that will fit right in in Chicago.

17. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn): James Young, G/F Kentucky Fr. (6-6¾, 213)
The Celtics are another team that likes to take risks during the draft, which could lead them to the very talented, very inconsistent James Young, who looks like a star at times, and a career D-Leaguer at others.

18. Phoenix Suns (from Washington): P.J. Hairston, SG NBDL (6-5¼, 229)
Hairston, who was kicked off of the North Carolina basketball team, obviously has some red flags but can really shoot the ball from outside, plays hard on defense, and has upside in other areas. He is likely to contribute early next year.

19. Chicago Bulls: Adreian Payne, PF Michigan State Sr. (6-9¾, 239)
While a wing shooter like Rodney Hood makes a lot of sense, frontcourt depth has been an issue for Chicago for a while and Payne, who also can shoot, would fit right in as an athletic big who can play right away.

20. Toronto Raptors: Jerami Grant, F Syracuse (6-7¾, 214)
Grant is the best prospect available here and gives the Raptors some size on the wing to defend against the bigger small forwards that DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross might struggle with.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas): Rodney Hood, G/F Duke (6-8½, 208)
The Thunder have seemingly been looking for a shooter for years, so if one like Hood falls into their lap, they'd have to be ecstatic. 

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Cleanthony Early, SF Wichita State (6-7¼, 209)
Mike Miller stayed healthy all season, but he is 34 and has many, many injuries in his past. Cleanthony Early isn't as good of a shooter as Miller, but he is incredibly athletic and a good defender.

23. Utah Jazz (from Golden State): T.J. Warren, SF North Carolina State (6-8¼, 220)
The Jazz have a pretty set starting lineup, provided they bring back Gordon Heyward, so they'll look to boost a bench that struggled last season. Warren has some questions about his position and shooting but he can really score.

24. Charlotte Hornets (from Portland): Clint Capela, F/C Switzerland (6-11, 222)
Capela could go much higher if he does well in workouts, but if he did fall to Charlotte they'd have to take a serious look, though the Bismack Biyombo experience might cause them to shy away.

25. Houston Rockets: Kyle Anderson, F UCLA So. (6-8½, 230)
Anderson could also go much higher. Given Houston's penchant for taking risk and fitting odd pieces together, the talented Anderson could be too much to pass up, despite the questions about his defense.

26. Miami Heat: Shabazz Napier, PG Connecticut Sr. (6-1, 175)
LeBron James has already expressed his admiration of Napier's game, and while that wouldn't be enough for the Heat to draft him, it does make a lot of sense with Mario Chalmers a free agent this summer.

27. Phoenix Suns (from Indiana): K.J. McDaniels, SF Clemson Jr. (6-6, 196)
Eric Bledsoe, Gerald Green, and McDaniels on the court at the same time would be the most athletic trio in the league. McDaniels is still growing as a scorer, but his athleticism and defense can be very disruptive. 

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Glenn Robinson III, G/F Michigan So. (6-6¾, 211)
The Clippers took a similar player last season, Reggie Bullock, but still seem to be looking for consistency from their bench wings. Robinson III has high upside but is very raw offensively.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: C.J. Wilcox, SG Washington Sr. (6-5, 201)
Another shooter for the Thunder, though they could go with a international stash player as well. Wilcox is an excellent shooter and defender, he is just old at 23

30. San Antonio Spurs: Kristaps Porzingis, F/C Latvia (7-0, 220)
An international player mocked to the Spurs may seem lazy, but Porzingis could easily could go in the late lottery. He has serious talent and fills a need. Tim Duncan most likely can't keep playing forever after all.

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NBA Draft: Julius Randle Scouting Report

Measurements

Age: 19; Height: 6-9; Weight: 250; Wingspan: 6-11; Reach: 8-9.5

Season Stats (as of 2/16)

29.8 mpg, 15.7 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.8 bpg, 2.9 tpg, 2.4 fpg, .529 FG, .711 FT, .250 3P

Strengths 

-Strong, physically built power forward

-Excellent athlete

-Explosive and very quick

-Very good first step

-Awesome scorer around the basket

-Strong finisher

-Excellent in the post

-Incredible attacking off the dribble facing up

-Raw skills as a jump shooter

-Draws a ton of fouls, coverts at a good rate

-Potential to be an efficient 20+ point scorer 

-Adept with both hands

-Good ball handler

-High IQ, good passer

-Plays tough defense

-Excellent rebounder on both ends

-Great motor, plays very hard

-Unafraid to be physical

-Improved shot selection, attacking more

Weaknesses

-Some may consider him undersized

-Below average length

-Can struggle against long defenders

-Has had condition problems in the past

-Somewhat turnover prone

-Jumper isn't a legitimate weapon yet

-Can get tunnel vision

-Sometimes relies on athleticism more than fundamentals

-Not consistently making impact plays on defense yet

-Will probably never be a top level shot blocker

NBA Comparison

Like Randle, Blake Griffin was dominant in college using his strength, athleticism, and skill to score in a variety of ways around the basket though they can struggle versus length. Both rebound at a high rate, excel at getting to the line and Griffin, like Randle, had the makings of a jumpshot that eventually became a weapon. Also, neither Randle or Griffin are impact defenders, but are solid on that end. 

Draft Projection

Randle should be a 20-10 power forward in the NBA with at least average defense. That is worth at least a top pick, possibly as high as 3rd overall, Randle should be the top power forward taken and second big man after Joel Embiid.

Highlights

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Scouting the Champions Classic: Kentucky Wildcats

Julius Randle, PF (6-9, 250)

Coming into the season, there were many who considered Julius Randle to be a better prospect than Andrew Wiggins, and while I wouldn't say that necessarily (elite, different, not better), Randle is clearly one of the top three prospects in this draft and definitely in consideration for the number 1 overall pick. Randle, who was dominant in his first two games against weak competition, struggled mightily in the first half against Michigan State scoring only 4 points, (1-5 FG, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, and 4 turnovers. The second half was another story however, Randle was dominant and brought Kentucky back into the game almost single-handedly. He scored 23 points (8-9 FG, 7-13 FT) after the break, as well as grabbing 9 boards but also committing 4 more turnovers. Randle likes to face up, and is good at it, but he is basically unstoppable in the post at this level, which is where he needs to spend all of his time. He is an elite rebounder as well, particularly offensively, and projects as a 20-10 player in the NBA and certainly a top 3 pick. Randle does need to cut the turnovers, (4 per game is too much) and knock down free throws more consistently, but he is already one of the best players in the country.

James Young, G/F (6-6, 215)

After the whole class had committed, James Young was often the overlooked elite recruit on Kentucky's roster, but his stock got a big boost over the summer, with many thinking he was the best prospect on the team behind Randle. Young had an up and down game against Michigan State, like Randle, he dominated one half (15 points on 5-7 FG, 3-5 from 3, 2-3 FT in the first), and struggled in the second (4 points, 2-9 FG, 0-6 from three, 0-2 FT). He really carried Kentucky that one half, scoring almost half of their points, and kept the score from getting out of hand. That was impressive, the second half was not however, but considering Youmg was the only Kentucky guard to show up at all, all the pressure was on him to stretch the floor and create from the perimeter. Obviously, it would have been nice for him to step up to the challenge for the whole game, but it is easy to forget that this is an 18 year-old playing in his third career game. Young isn't an elite prospect, but he has a chance to be a very good one, and a top 10-15 pick.

Andrew Harrison, PG (6-6, 215)

In his first chance to impress on a big stage, Andrew Harrison disappointed big time. The raw numbers don't look terrible (11 points, 3-6 FG, 4-4 FT, 1-1 from deep, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 4 turnovers) but he was unimpressive, struggling to initiate any kind of offense for Kentucky, and was a non-factor for most of the game, despite play all but 2 minutes in the game. Harrison has size and skill, but couldn't get anything going either for himself or his teammates. The good news is he could still get into the paint, but he didn't have a plan when he got there, but that will come, and his shooting stroke looked good as well, another good sign. Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, Brandon Knight, and Marquis Teague all struggled early on too, though it is troubling how few flashes Harrison showed. Even more troubling was bad body language, clear lack of effort on some plays, and the fact that Keith Appling had a huge game while being primarily defended by Harrison. With Dante Exum and Marcus Smart firmly entrenched ahead of him, Harrison will have a lot of work to do to get back into the top 10, but the ability is there.

Aaron Harrison, SG (6-6, 218)

If Andrew Harrison had a bad game, his twin Aaron's game was a downright disaster. He only played 18 minutes, went 1-7 from the floor and missed all 5 of his threes and struggled defensively. He has great size for a wing, but doesn't appear to be very explosive, and if the jumper isn't falling, Harrison is rendered fairly ineffective. His brother is a high level NBA prospect because he can play point guard, but as a shooting guard who's best weapon is his jumper, but isn't an elite shooter, Aaron just doesn't project as special as an NBA wing. At his size, Harrison should be a good defender, but Gary Harris had his way with him. If he can become a better driver and shooter, Harrison might become a first round pick after another season or so, but right now I don't see it.

Alex Poythress, F (6-8, 239)

Alex Poythress had unreasonable expectations last season, to which he didn't live up. This was exacerbated by the fact that everyone else on the team struggled too, forcing a larger offensive role upon Poythress than he was ready for. So far this season, and in this game, Poythress has played within himself and played very hard. He didn't do much offensively, (7 points, 2-6 FG, 3-4 FT) which is an issue, but Poythress showed he has several skills that could make him an effective NBA role player, with the upside for more down the line. Poythress is physically very impressive, taller than his listed height, more like 6-9, with long arms 7-0+ wingspan, an NBA body, and elite athleticism. With those physical gifts, he should be, and is, an excellent rebounder, especially this season where he is averaging 10.7 boards in only 22.7 minutes a game. These tools also make him a very good defender with the chance to be elite. Poythress has also shown an ability to make corner 3s, which could allow him to space the floor as power forward on offense in the NBA. That, plus the defense and rebounding, would make Poythress a valuable player at the next level, and worthy of a first round pick.

Willie Cauley-Stein, C (7-0, 244)

Despite how impressive Willie Cauley-Stein looks, I always come away unimpressed when watching him against non-cupcake opponents, with the game against Michigan State being no exception. Cauley-Stein is tall, long and athletic, he looks like a young Tyson Chandler, and there is undeniable upside, if teams are willing to be very patient. Offensively, he is limited to lobs and put backs, which is expected, but it the lack of fundamentals and basketball IQ that is the big problem, he can be an excellent shotblocker, but is out of position a lot, and he relies on too much on athleticism to grab rebounds instead of boxing out. These are things that the team that drafts him will have to work on, but an overall feel for the game can only come through playing in games.

Dakari Johnson, C (7-0, 265) and Marcus Lee, PF (6-9, 215) 
Because he is the backup to Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson hasn't got a ton of minutes (13.3 a game), and is therefore more of a prospect for future drafts beyond 2014. The same can be said for Marcus Lee, who has the unenviable task of playing behind Randle. Johnson has terrific size and strength, but isn't an elite athlete. He makes his living in the paint and is very good scoring around the basket, with a pretty nice skill level and a high IQ, he is also a very good rebounder. Johnson reminds me of a bigger, rawer Jared Sullinger. I would like to see Kentucky, when Randle is resting, play Johnson with Poythress, Young, and the Harrison's spreading the floor to give him some space on the block. If he comes back next year and plays starters minutes, Johnson could be a top 10 pick in 2015. Lee is different from Johnson, he doesn't have quite the skills or developed body, but but he is long and very athletic, the kind of physical profile that, with some work in the weight room and on the court, gets NBA teams really excited.  

2013-2014 NCAA Basketball Pre-Season All-American Teams

All-American First Team

G: Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, So.

Reigning Big 12 Player of the Year and Second Team All-American last season, Smart affects the game beyond the box score. His defense and leadership are lauded by coaches, while his ability to make winning plays as well as stuff the stat-sheet should endear him to voters once again.

G: Russ Smith, Louisville, Sr.

Russ Smith averaged 18.7 points a game for the Title-winning Cardinals and plays an exciting style of basketball on both ends of the court. He pressures the ball relentlessly on defense and is a one man fast-break going the other way. With second and third leading scorers Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng gone, Smith should produce even more this season.

F: Jabari Parker, Duke, Fr.

While choosing Parker over Andrew Wiggins may seem ridicules to some, Parker is every bit the player Wiggins is right now, and more polished. Five years from now, give me Wiggins, but this season, particularly early I think Parker out-produces Wiggins and will be on a better team. Also, Parker will play a lot of 4, which means high rebounding numbers.

F: Doug McDermott, Creighton, Sr.

As much of a lock for the All-American team as anyone, McDermott has been on the First Team the last two season and should go down as one of the best college scorers in history. He is looking for his third straight 20 point season, and he a higher profile Big East conference to show out in.

C: Adreian Payne, Michigan, Sr.

This may seem like a bold projection for Payne, but if he improves with the same learning curve he has to this point, and gets an increase in minutes, Payne should produce at a high level. Not only has he progressed skill-wise, he has also grown in the mental aspects of the game, allowing Payne to use his considerable physical gifts.

All-American Second Team

G: Aaron Craft, Ohio State, Sr.

Like Marcus Smart, Aaron Craft affects the game beyond what the box score indicates. His stats are pedestrian, barely averaging double digit points and doing so inefficiently, however his intense defense and leadership are invaluable. He will need to take a step forward offensively this season for Ohio State.

G: Gary Harris, Michigan State, So.

After a quietly impressive Freshman season, Gary Harris passed up on the NBA to return for another season at Michigan State. Fully healthy after shoulder surgery, Harris should become one of the premier perimeter scorers in the country, getting it done on both ends of the court and filling it up from all over the floor.

F: Andrew Wiggins, Kansas, Fr.

By now, most non-Jayhawk fans are sick of hearing about how great Andrew Wiggins is, and for good reason: he is very impressive. Wiggins in a surefire top-3 draft pick and future star, as explosive a player as you will see and exciting on both offense and defense. I worry about expectations early, but by Tournament time he should be rolling. 

F: Julius Randle, Kentucky, Fr.

A monster of a man and an elite athlete, Julius Randle is also very skilled. Like Wiggins he'll be a top NBA pick and should be the next in line of Kentucky one-and-done's. He could easily take off and be First Team, but Kentucky is loaded with options that will cannibalize each other's stats.

C: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, So.

Montrezl Harrell's stats last season are unimpressive because he played a small role behind First Round pick Gorgui Dieng. This year Harrell, fresh off of playing with Team USA and winning the U19 championship, will step into Dieng's role and minutes and should blow up with points, rebounds and defense.

All-American Third Team

G: Tyler Haws, BYU, Jr.

One of the most unheralded great players in college basketball, Tyler Haws was awesome last season, averaging 21.7 points per game with a very impressive 47%/38%/88% slash line. BYU could ride Haws to a Tournament birth which should put him in consideration for the All-American team. 

G: Nick Johnson, Arizona, Jr.

Lost in all the hype surrounding Arizona's last two big recruiting classes is that Nick Johnson was very impressive last season and will likely be their leading scorer this season. Johnson is also a very good defender and a highlight dunk waiting to happen, which should get him national exposure.

F: Glenn Robinson III, Michigan, So.

Glenn Robinson III eschewed the NBA to come back as Michigan's returning leading scorer along with Nik Stauskas. Robinson III will be the alpha-male on this Michigan team and should put up big numbers as he becomes more consistent game to game.

F: C.J. Fair, Syracuse, Sr.

Quietly one of the best players in the country last season, C.J. Fair has always been an elite athlete, a good rebounder and defender but now he's become a very good shooter who can fill it up from the outside. Syracuse usually has a balanced scoring attack, but Fair will lead the way on what should be a  very good team.

C: Isaiah Austin, Baylor, So.

This last big man spot could go to a lot of players, a couple of the Kentucky guys, Mitch McGary or Aaron Gordon could all fit here, however I think Austin takes a step forward to build on what was an already impressive Freshman year. Austin should be the focal point of Baylor's offense and a good statistical contributor across the board.