Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting the career outcomes of 2017 draft picks

No. 30 — Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

When I heard Josh Hart’s name called, I immediately began imagining the possibilities. He may have gone No. 30 overall to the Lakers, but I am extremely confident the Villanova product will have little trouble outplaying his draft status.

While a bit small for an off-ball guard, Hart is an electric shooter who can hit from just about anywhere. He lit it up from the field last season, leading the Wildcats to a No. 1 seed in the tournament before a disappointing letdown early on. The real highlight, though, was his effort that earned him a title the season before.

Getting back to his NBA future…

Hart has all of the skills needed to develop into an outstanding role player for the Lakers. His efficiency from the field is ridiculous, and should only improve with some NBA-caliber coaching. Although some would see his status as a senior as a weakness, I believe that added polish will help him contribute immediately in Los Angeles.

His ceiling isn’t sky high, but he has the tools to be an early contributor who can develop into the Lakers’ sixth or seventh option off the bench. Between his intelligence, motor and scoring abilities, there’s little reason to believe Hart won’t hang around Hollywood for some time as an outstanding second-unit scorer.

Steal may be a strong word, but Hart will definitely earn the “pleasant surprise” label before his career is over. I wouldn’t foresee him breaking any records or earning any serious recognition, but he’ll be remembered by Lakers faithful for years to come.