After an extremely hyped up 2017 NBA Draft, it is time to look at players who will gel right away with the teams they were selected by. The four players chosen have the chance to be immediate impact players, based on depth charts, and team needs.
THE FOUR
Lonzo Ball (LOS ANGELES LAKERS)
After sending former #2 pick D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn, it was clear that Lonzo Ball would be the guy for the Lakers. While getting many comparisons to Jason Kidd, Ball did not disappoint as a Bruin. As a freshman, Lonzo had over 50 more assists than Kidd did as a freshman at the University of California. An incredibly gifted passer, Ball’s 8.1 assists per 40 minutes ranked 2nd out of all players eligible for the draft. This will immediately help a Lakers team that finished 26th in assists during last year’s season. Shooting 73% from inside the three-point line, Ball’s scoring is often overlooked because of his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. In fact, Ball’s unorthodox release led him to a very modest 41% from deep. Ball’s ridiculous vision is what sets him apart. Part of the reason for the Lakers struggles was due to the fact that they were 26th in turnovers. His 4.1 to 1 assist to turnover ratio proves how efficient he can be while running the show.
As a 6’6’” point guard, Ball’s physical gifts will be a blessing to guys like Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram. While the Lakers are still a work in progress, Ball will make an immediate impact as the starting point guard. He turned a 15 win UCLA team into a 31 win squad, which included a Sweet Sixteen appearance. The guy is a winner and impacts the game in so many ways. Lonzo’s father, Lavar, predicted the Lakers to be back in the playoffs by next year. While this may seem like a stretch, never count out a team with Lonzo running the point.
De’Aaron Fox (SACRAMENTO KINGS)
One of the quickest players in the draft, Fox will immediately put up big numbers for the Kings. The constant John Wall comparisons are exactly what Sacramento fans want to hear. A Houston native, Fox averaged 16.7 points per game as a Wildcat. An explosive player who loves to attack the rim, Fox made nearly 60% of his shots in the paint. De’Aaron is also an elite rebounder and passer for his size. Per 40 minutes, Fox averaged 6.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds. His elusive pick and roll game will fit in nicely with Koufos and Cauley-Stein. Fox is developing as a playmaker and will help get Buddy Hield, and Rudy Gay (if resigned) good looks to keep the offense moving. His quickness, size and strength are major reasons as to why he will also be a great defender for the Kings. His 5.9 points per game on fast-break scoring was good enough to rank first out of all the power-conference players.
After making just 31% of his pull up jumpers, Fox has some work to do as a shooter. At only 19 years old, Fox is a gym rat who will continue to improve his ability to shoot the basketball. In the Sweet Sixteen, Fox led his Kentucky Wildcats with 39 points over Ball and the UCLA Bruins, proving his ability to shine when the lights are brightest. With impeccable athleticism and quickness, De’Aaron Fox will be special for the Kings. Don’t be surprised if his numbers are good enough for 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Luke Kennard (DETRIOT PISTONS)
After 10 freshmen and one international player were chosen, sophomore Luke Kennard was selected by the Detroit Pistons. A lethal shooter, Kennard will have the chance to be the starting shooting guard for Detroit. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope most likely leaving as a free agent, Kennard can play a major role in the offense. Coming off finishing 28th in three-point percentage, Detroit needed shooters. So why not get the best shooter in the draft? During his sophomore campaign, Kennard averaged 19.5 points per game, which was the second most in the ACC, and shot 43.8% from deep. He also averaged 5 rebounds a game.
An athletic player at 6’6”, Kennard moves very well off the ball. He is also able to score off the dribble with ease. Kennard’s ability to pull up from all over the floor will be extremely beneficial to starting point guard Reggie Jackson. An intelligent player, Kennard will space the floor, knock down shots, and develop into a nice playmaker for Detroit.
Bam Adebayo (MIAMI HEAT)
At 6’10”, 250 lbs, Bam Adebayo will fit in perfectly with Miami. Although he is a physical giant, Adebayo moves well and is surprisingly athletic. He is a perfect fit for Goran Dragic on pick and roll plays. At Kentucky, Bam averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game on 59.9% shooting. Playing alongside Hassan Whiteside, who averaged 17 points and finished first in the league with 14.1 rebounds per game, Bam will not have worry too much about offense.
As a great defender, both in the paint and on the perimeter, Adebayo will help Miami move up the charts in rebounds, as they finished 15th in the NBA during the 2016-17 season. In fact, his 4.1 offensive rebounds per 40 minutes is among the best in the draft. His 1.5 blocks per game at Kentucky will help keep the Heat among one of the best shot blocking teams in the NBA. With a Dwight Howard build, look for Bam to become a more athletic and agile DeAndre Jordan.
BONUS
Frank Jackson (NEW ORLEANS PELICANS)
Depending on whether the Pelicans keep Jrue Holiday, Jackson could be the sleeper of the draft. Surrounded by talent at Duke, Frank Jackson was often overlooked, but has the potential to be an elite offensive weapon for New Orleans. With Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins, Jackson has little pressure to immediately impact the offense. An extremely efficient scorer, Jackson averaged 17.6 points per 40 minutes, on 47.3% shooting, during his only year at Duke. His 42-inch vertical leap is a key reason as to why he is such an explosive player. Jackson shot 48% on floaters, and his 39% shooting on three point shots makes him a threat as a perimeter player.
An incredible athlete, Jackson has the ability to turn into a Russell Westbrook type player. During the combine, Jackson finished first in the shuttle run, second in the max vertical leap, and third in the standing vertical leap.
Featured image by Sporting News
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