General manager Mitch Kupchak has done well with the teams’ last two first-round picks and it’s imperative that he gets it right again in June.
Despite missing all of last season, Julius Randle is having a solid season in the paint, averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell has shaken off a slow start and is playing some good basketball. Jordan Clarkson will take over the scoring role next season if the front office can find some veteran help, but this team needs more, especially at small forward where they have lacked a big time talent since the days of James Worthy.
A look at the latest mocks and it appears the experts agree. Unless Ben Simmons falls into their lap, it looks like the ‘purple and gold’ will take Brandon Ingram of Duke with their first selection. The youngster doesn’t have a big frame, but his explosive moves in and around the basket could help open up the offense and give Russell another weapon to help on the offensive end of the court.
When the team takes the clock in round two, they must find a player that can play a big role, even if off the bench as this squad lacks depth at nearly every position.
NBA Draft.Net believes Kupchak will continue his search at the three spot and has Taurean Prince of Baylor as the top option. The good news is the young man has four years of college experience and that could help with his transition to professional basketball.
This franchise is in a state of flux and help is needed. It now appears that Kevin Durant has no interest in the LA Lakers, but with plenty of room under the salary cap, Kupchak will lure someone to help rescue this team and hopefully make them a playoff contender in the near future.
