He recalled the performances of Lakers rookies, from Scottie Pippen Jr. (22) to Max Christie (20).
The Lakers finished the 2022-23 season with a sweep loss in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets on the 23rd of last month.
Players such as Austin Reeves, Louis Hachimura, Lonnie Walker and Jared Vanderbilt performed beyond expectations, while veterans such as LeBron James and Dennis Schroeder also contributed to the Lakers’ 22-23 season.
With the NBA 2023 draft just a week away, the 22-23 season LA Lakers (hereinafter referred to as Lakers) highlights the performance of newcomers
■ Draft: Max Christie
The Lakers selected Christie with the 35th overall pick in the NBA 2022 draft in June.
At 6ft 6in, 190lbs (198cm, 86kg), Christie was considered a talent to fill the Lakers’ lackluster wing roster. Christie, who showed high defensive potential at the University of Michigan, felt like a long-term project player by exposing inaccurate outside shooting skills in the summer league.
However, Christie, who gradually took advantage of the garbage time, came to turn people’s concerns into expectations. He recorded 3.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3-point success rate of 41.9% (1.5 attempts) and free throw success rate of 87.5% (0.4 attempts) while playing an average of 12.5 minutes in the 22-23 season. In particular, Christie, who stepped on the court for four consecutive games from November 8 last year, boasted stable outside shooting ability and defensive ability, which was considered an existing advantage.
Although Christie went down to the G-League in the second half, she focused on strengthening her upper body and core muscles during that period. This will be an effort to catch the eye of manager Davin Hamm, who values defense. It is expected that Christie will be able to show off effective defense against NBA-level wings.
■ Undrafted: Scottie Pippen Jr.
Last summer, the Lakers created a stir among fans when they acquired undrafted guard Scottie Pippen Jr. as a free agent.
The much-anticipated son of six-time champion Scottie Pippen, the greatest defenseman in league history, Pippen Jr., unlike his father, was more of a project-type player. However, Pippen Jr., who has grown a lot in the G-League after the Summer League, averaged 21.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals, with a field goal success rate of 46.9%.
Pippen Jr., who still raises a question mark in his outside shooting ability, made remarkable progress in passing and dribbling to protect the ball, and developed his ability to obtain free throws following breakthrough. Also, he has shown great progress in his defensive ability, and now he will have to find a way to compensate for his below-average agility in the NBA.
■ Undrafty Shooter: Cole Skyder
The Lakers tried to find limited resources in the free agent (FA) market and the trade market to solve the chronic problem of the 3-point shot.
Last summer the Lakers signed undrafted Cole Scyder to free agency. Swider is also a project type player, but he seemed to have some potential if he put in enough effort.
Swider, who spent most of this season in the G League, averaged 17.1 points per game, 50.6% field goal success rate, and 43.6% 3-point success rate. In particular, he poured in a career-high 37 points against the Iowa Wolves in February.토토사이트
Swider, like Pippen Jr., is a concern because he is below average in the NBA in terms of quickness. However, if he plays as a three-point specialist against the third unit, he is predicted to be seen in the NBA next season.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are known to be considering whether to exercise the 17th pick in the NBA 2023 draft or use it as a trade resource.