Los Angeles Lakers: D.J. Wilson is an upside play at No. 28
The Los Angeles Lakers want talent with both of their first round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. At No. 28 overall, Michigan’s D.J. Wilson could provide the upside to be a special player.
The Los Angeles Lakers should cast a wide net for the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. I already wrote about Nevada forward Cam Oliver, but there are several players the Lakers could choose to help the franchise and give head coach Luke Walton another young player to work with.
Ultimately, they may just pick the best player on the board. However, the goal should be finding players who could be versatile, as well as help the defense down the line.
Few players make a defensive impact as a rookie, but some flash defensive potential and for a team in the bottom 10 of every defensive category last year, that would be a welcome addition.
One player that provides intrigue in that area is Michigan forward D.J. Wilson. After two seasons as a reserve, Wilson evolved into one of the team’s most important players. He averaged 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game in 38 games. After taking 25 threes in his first two seasons, Wilson took 110 threes as a junior, converting 37 percent of them.
Much like Oliver, the combination of shooting and the defensive upside is strong in Wilson. Already amassing a strong season from beyond the arc, Wilson also has the ability to be an interesting defender at the next level. With a 7’3″ wingspan, Wilson has the size to pester opponents in the passing lanes and even contest at the rim.
While he doesn’t project to play at the center position much at the next level, Wilson’s 1.5 blocks per game show that he could make some plays in a second unit. He’s still far away, though, due to a developing frame. The Los Angeles Lakers, 30th in defensive efficiency this past season, could use some defenders in both units.
Offensively, Wilson’s upside is sky high. Unlike Oliver, there is strong evidence that Wilson can knock down shots away from the rim — as evidenced by his 48 percent shooting on two-point jumpers and 83 percent, albeit on just 60 attempts, from the free throw line. Combine that with his 83 percent shooting at the rim and Wilson has the ability to be an all-around offensive threat.
He’s even showed some playmaking as well. He finished with 50 assists to 42 turnovers this past year. Time will tell if that ability will bloom in the long run, but it’s a good start for someone heading into the NBA and heading into a professional career.
I’ve written about how the Los Angeles Lakers needed more versatility in their frontcourt and Wilson fits the bill. He can shoot the ball, has great size and he works defensively at the rim and on the perimeter. Put him alongside Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram or even Larry Nance Jr. and there’s no gridlock; Wilson brings an individual skill that the each player doesn’t and could help on one side of the floor.
He’s still far away, though. Wilson is someone who can stand for improving his size and frame. Also, for all of his strengths, he hasn’t played much basketball. Going from a full college season to an NBA season, moving from Big Ten forwards to the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokoumnpo will take some time for adjustment.
Next: Lakers - Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history
To succeed in the NBA Draft, teams outside of the top 14 picks should aim for drafting the best player available. For the Los Angeles Lakers, there may be no better value at the end of the first round than D.J. Wilson. He has warts and will need time to truly develop, but the combination of shooting, defense, size and age could pay off in the long run for the Lakers.