Hoops Habit
Fansided

2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Midseason Grades

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
Jan 16, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-82. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-82. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

4. D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers

It’s been a forgettable season for the Lakers but their younger players are starting to show real progress and growth, none more so than their No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

Russell had a lot of growing pains early on the year, even dating back to Summer League play. His shot wasn’t falling and he was turning the ball over like crazy.

Recently, however, he’s looked the part as an NBA point guard and a future superstar.

Numbers don’t do Russell much justice because he struggled for so long. When using the eye test on him he passes in almost every area. He has a confidence and swagger about him that’s perfect for the city of Los Angeles, a smooth shot and court vision that could rival the league’s best in due time.

His last four games he’s scored in double digits on 43.5 percent shooting from the field including 37.5 percent from three.

The crazy assist totals will come in time. For now, it’s nice to see Russell score and make the right decisions on the floor.

Grade: B+

Next: Hope In Philly?