Hoops Habit
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential steals

By Max Holm

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Malik Monk (Kentucky) shows off the inside of his suit jacket as he is introduced as the number eleven overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Malik Monk (Kentucky) shows off the inside of his suit jacket as he is introduced as the number eleven overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) drives to the basket against Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (3) in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) drives to the basket against Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (3) in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Josh Hart (No. 30) — Los Angeles Lakers

Like Sindarius Thornwell, Josh Hart was another older senior who slipped late in the draft. Hart did stay in the first round, though, going 30th overall to the Los Angeles Lakers.

With D’Angelo Russell out the door, the Lakers made a smart move by investing in a cheap and skilled guard. Day one in the door, Hart will be able to contribute in Los Angeles. With good size to play the 2, and maybe even some 3, he brings a combination of skills and intangibles missing on the Lakers.

Even though he’s a rookie, Hart will bring leadership and confidence to a Lakers locker room that will happily welcome that. Hart projects to be a solid one-on-one defender and an excellent team one. He shot the ball tremendously well from three too. Shooting is one of the Lakers biggest needs, especially with Russell gone.

Lonzo Ball will likely benefit more from a lead guard than Hart, but the two could complement each other very well. Hart could take the tougher defensive assignments and both can spot up while the other handles the ball. There’s strong potential for Hart to wear the purple and gold for a long time.