Even after only two months of action, redrafting the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2017 NBA Draft class based on what we know now could yield some significantly different results.
Believe it or not, we’re already through the first two months of the 2017-18 NBA season. And while it may seem a tad early to already be looking back at the recent draft, I can assure you things would have been different for the Los Angeles Lakers if we knew then what we know now.
Now that’s not to say the Lakers had a bad draft class. In fact, the 2017 draft class could turn out to be one of the franchise’s best in recent memory. Three of the four picks are already making notable impacts for the club, and the other is tearing it up in the G League. Despite that, it doesn’t mean Los Angeles’ picks were perfect.
Then again, no one’s picks are ever perfect. As we all know, hindsight is 20/20. It’s much easier to look back and judge than to determine the best course of action in the present. That work is for the general managers and coaches who get paid the big bucks.
We “other guys” are relegated to speculating on what could have been.
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With that in mind, let’s go back in time and redraft the Lakers’ 2017 class. While not all four of the picks changed, I will state for the record that I made a concerted effort to switch things up. I mean, what would be the point of this if I said all four picks were awesome and I wouldn’t change a thing?
No. 2: Lonzo Ball –> Jayson Tatum
There were a few considerations with this pick. At first, I thought Donovan Mitchell was the way to go. However, despite his impressive production on the stat sheet, he’s been relatively inefficient, relying on volume to put together huge scoring totals.
I also considered sticking with Ball, who has been impressive despite a lack of reliable shooting. He may not have lived up to the hype at this point, but he’s obviously flashed elite upside. On top of that, it’s difficult to overstate the value of a quality point guard in today’s NBA.
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In the end, though, I had to go with Jayson Tatum at No. 2. The Boston Celtics’ selection at No. 3 overall has been a bona fide star, capitalizing on Gordon Hayward‘s opening night injury to earn a prominent role on the East’s best team. In terms of overall talent and potential, there may not be a better rookie outside of Ben Simmons.
At this moment, Tatum has the eighth-highest real plus-minus among all small forwards (36th among all players). On top of that, he has the best 3-point percentage (51.5 percent) in the league. He’s been an integral part of the Celtics’ early-season run, and is quickly proving himself more than worthy of the third overall selection.
Ball was a great pick who figures to get much better in a very short amount of time. Still, considering Tatum’s early rise to stardom and my general desire to shake things up, I went with the Celtics’ rookie sensation. Even with Brandon Ingram on the roster, Tatum is simply too good to pass up.
No. 27: Kyle Kuzma –> Derrick White
I know. Why the hell would I give up Kyle Kuzma, the steal of the 2017 NBA Draft, for Derrick White? Don’t worry, there’s more on that later. For now, just focus on why I went with the San Antonio Spurs’ first-round pick.
After skipping on Ball at No. 2, the Lakers need more options at point guard. They could theoretically have spent more of their cap space on a veteran point guard following the draft. However, instead of hoping someone was willing to sign a one-year deal at a discount, the Lakers could simply go with White.
While White hasn’t played much among the Spurs’ deep backcourt (47 total minutes), he has looked good in four G League games. He’s currently averaging 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal per game for the Austin Spurs. The playmaking isn’t there yet, but he’s shooting lights out from the field (46.3 percent) and has played some solid defense as well.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any better point guards available at this juncture. I could have gone with Frank Mason III, who’s seen some action through the first couple of months. His shooting has been subpar, though, and his assist totals haven’t been much better.
Jordan Clarkson can step in as the starting point guard and Tyler Ennis can serve as the main backup while White develops. The Colorado product hasn’t done much in the NBA up to this point, but chances are he’s going to make a name for himself eventually if Gregg Popovich had confidence in his potential.
No. 30: Josh Hart –> Kyle Kuzma
Boom! Since this is all hypothetical, I’m assuming that Kyle Kuzma continues to fly under the radar all the way down to No. 30. After upgrading their point guard depth with White at No. 27, the Lakers still get the steal of the draft with Kuzma a few picks later.
Originally, I had stuck with Kuzma at No. 27. However, with no significant point guard talent available at No. 30 (White went 29th overall), this seemed like the most logical plan of action.
That way, the Lakers get their point guard as well as an excellent scoring threat off the bench. Kuzma still brings his ridiculous shooting, confidence and swagger to the Los Angeles lineup. There may not be as many minutes to go around with both forward positions loaded with young talent, but Luke Walton will find a way to get Kuzma involved.
Especially with Julius Randle‘s future uncertain and Larry Nance Jr. still a work in progress, having Kuzma moving forward is a must.
It’s a bummer that Josh Hart is gone — I like this potential as a long-term role player. Still, the Lakers get one of the biggest steals of the 2017 draft class a few picks later, giving Kuzma the potential to be one of the biggest steals in NBA history.
No. 42: Thomas Bryant –> Thomas Bryant
At this point in the draft, there’s only so much talent to choose from. Of the final 19 picks of the 2017 NBA Draft, only nine players have earned minutes outside of the G-League. Of those nine players, only two have served in significant roles for their respective teams.
While Thomas Bryant isn’t one of those nine players, the Lakers’ rookie center has looked excellent during his time with the South Bay Lakers. In 12 appearances, he’s averaged 22.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 59.8 percent from the field. He may not be ready for the big leagues just yet, but the future appears bright.
So why switch him out for anyone else? I considered Dillon Brooks, who surprisingly earned a starting gig with the Memphis Grizzlies early during his rookie campaign. However, between the talents of Ingram, Tatum and Kuzma, I think the Lakers have more than enough wing talent.
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So Bryant it is at No. 42. Los Angeles keeps its intriguing young big man, allowing him to grow in the G League with the potential to take his talents to the pros in the near future.