Los Angeles Lakers: Josh Hart more than a 3-and-D player
Following consecutive 20-point performances against playoff teams, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Josh Hart is proving to be more than a 3-and-D player.
Shortly after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 112-97 loss to the Utah Jazz on April 9, head coach Luke Walton made a strong statement of support and excitement about the potential of rookie Josh Hart. The Villanova stalwart finished with 25 points, making 10-of-18 shots (8-for-10 on non 3-point attempts), four rebounds and pair of steals and blocks in a game-high 41 minutes of playing time.
With Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram sidelined for that game, Hart was given the chance to be more aggressive with the ball in his hands and he showed there’s plenty more to his game than the “3-and-D” label (along with his age) that caused him to fall to the Lakers with the final pick in the first round — something coach Walton stated after this game.
The game against the Jazz showcased everything Hart can bring to the table outside of the defense and toughness. His defensive traits will set him up for a long career in the league, but it baffles me why NBA teams overlooked his balanced offensive game that goes well beyond spotting up and waiting for a kick-out to launch a 3-pointer.
This was on display against the Jazz, who happen to be second in the NBA in points allowed per game. Hart has been given freedom to snatch a rebound and take off down court. He remains one of the best rebounders on the team, and having a guard that attacks the glass as well as he does gets the Lakers out in transition to play at their desired quick tempo.
On two occasions in the video above, Hart grabs the rebound and finishes at the rim without giving up the ball. His speed in the open floor is surprisingly quick and he’s always been a strong finisher when he chooses to attack the rim.
His strong frame and hops make him tough to stop when he gets afull head of steam, something shown in the highlight video when he finished through Rudy Gobert, one of the best defenders in the NBA.
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When the Lakers get to full strength next season, pairing Hart with Lonzo in the backcourt gives the team two guards with size that can defend, rebound and push the pace. This doesn’t even include Ingram, Kuzma and Julius Randle, who are another trio of solid rebounders that can bring the ball up court.
The other aspect of his game that stood out in the Utah game was his pull-up jump shot. There were two occasions where his defender closed out too hard on Hart, and he took one dribble inside the 3-point line and knocked down the open jumper. This is the third option to his offensive repertoire, and one that will open up as long as he continues finishing strong at the rim and knocking down his 3-pointers at a respectable rate.
His outside jumper has improved from college, with Hart elevating his launch point, making it quicker and more difficult to block. Besides having shooters everywhere on the court, deploying multiple ball-handlers who can drive and dish or take it themselves is a premium in the NBA, and Hart is emerging as another dynamic Laker on the offensive side of the ball.
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I understand that his sample size of being a focal point of the offense is very small and the Lakers lost the Jazz game along with the previous game he scored 20 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But use these games as an example of Josh Hart being more than a 3-and-D player; he is a well-rounded one that fits seamlessly with the Lakers roster and is another steal from the 2017 NBA Draft for the team.