Richard Mackson – USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers will have three picks to work with in the upcoming draft on Thursday. They will likely keep the No. 2 pick, but with their other two picks have a variety of options that they can explore. They can try to trade up, draft an overseas product and stash him for a couple of years, or try to fill their bench with two rookie contracts and hope that they can contribute. One player who may be available to them is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and he would be a great pick for the organization.
It is difficult to find a star that late in the first round, and most teams will be looking for role players to help build their team. Hollis-Jefferson is a prospect with a lot of potential, and there is a good chance that he won’t be available by the time the Lakers are up again at No. 27. But teams drafting late in the first round will be looking for specific players, and Hollis-Jefferson might not be the type of player that fits their team.
His best chance at sticking around in the league and earning minutes will be his ability to contribute on defense. He currently does not have a strong offensive game that will translate to the pros, as he relies on his athleticism and strength to get to the basket and overpower defenders down low. As a perimeter player, he likely won’t be able to do this on a consistent basis, and his lack of an outside shot will hurt a team’s offense.
However, coaches will love his physical attributes and his desire on the defensive end. His height makes it seem like he is a shooting guard, but he is tough and has an enormous wingspan for his size, allowing him to matchup with a variety of players on the perimeter. He is quick, aggressive and can keep up with guards while also forcing turnovers. His long arms allow him to contest and block a lot of shots, and will serve him well when he goes up against bigger smaller forwards. He is also ferocious on the boards, and is the kind of player who will work hard to earn his team extra possessions.
It is hard to envision Hollis-Jefferson becoming a star in the league, but there is a good chance that he becomes an impact player. Similar to Tony Allen, he can be an extremely valuable piece on the defensive end, matching up with star players in important games. He has the tools and mindset to become an elite defender, and is a strong rebounder. His versatility will give his coaches more options, and if he can develop an adequate outside shot, then he would be a great pick up for the Lakers.
