NBA: Top 10 Candidates For Rookie Of The Year In 2015-16

5. D’Angelo Russell

Everyone has been quick to label rookie D’Angelo Russell as the future of the Los Angeles Lakers, and while that may be true, those lofty expectations certainly don’t guarantee he’ll be a Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Based on his disappointing time in NBA Summer League, it’s pretty clear this Ohio State product still has a lot of room for improvement.

Though he averaged a passable 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, Russell also committed an atrocious 5.2 turnovers per game while shooting 37.7 percent from the floor and an anemic 11.8 percent from three-point range. That’s not going to cut it at the next level, even if the flashes of brilliant court vision quickly reminded everyone of his high ceiling.

However, even if Russell’s rookie season looks a lot smoother than his Summer League performances, there’s also the issue of him getting enough minutes in a crowded backcourt. Jordan Clarkson deserves a starting spot, and you’d have to forcibly remove Kobe Bryant from the arena to prevent him from starting. Will Kobe be willing to shift to the 3 so both Clarkson and Russell can start?

Even if Russell works his way into the starting five and stays there, don’t forget the Lakers have Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams to work into the rotation as well. Russell doesn’t look NBA ready just yet, and in a crowded backcourt, his status as the Lakers’ savior may have to wait a couple of years.

Next: No. 4