Pick #2, Los Angles LakersGrade: A+
#2 Brandon Ingram, SF6’9”, 195 lbs
Ingram's advent in the NBA comes on the heels of the departure of a hero/heel whose shoes will probably never be filled in Los Angles, much less in the entire league.
The Lakers did not mess up with this selection. Ingram and Simmons had the first two positions in the Draft locked up well in advance. As LeBron James just showed in the NBA Finals, it helps to have some size to be the engine driving a team.
Ingram will complement Randle and Russell on the floor and the trio could potentially bring the Lakers to playoff contention sooner rather than later. He still needs to bulk up though.
Pick #3, #16, #23Boston CelticsGrade: B
#3 Jaylen Brown, SG6’7”, 225 lbs
The Celtics can lay claim to playing with Celtic pride after their tenacious play over the recent years. Picking as high as the third spot did not net the Celtics a player who will make an immediate splash.
Brown will fit right into the Celtics' tenacious defensive gameplan, but his contributions on offense are in question. There was potential for the Celtics to shop this pick around to net an immediate contributor, but this selection comes across as a safe gamble as Brown's athleticism makes him a sensible bet.
#16 Guerschon Yabusele , PF6’8”, 270
Yabusele is a physically imposing presence with an imposing wingspan. He can put up points from inside and outside. He has the promise of becoming a valuable cog as a strong all-round scorer.
That being said, much of his attraction is his potential which remains to be realized.
#23 Ante Zizic, C6"11, 240 lbs
Zizic might just spend the next season overseas to refine his skill-set. He is a dominant presence on the glass and brings a toughness which will be beloved by the Celtics fans.
His limitation could be his lack of range, but there are plenty of big men who have carved a niche without having to pop jumpers from afar.
Guess the Lakers players!
