Forum Blue And Gold

A Lakers Blog. Thoughts, reflections, and the odd rant on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA (even the Clippers).

Podcast: Analytics and the top Draft Prospects

by


In this episode of the Laker Film Room Podcast, Pete and I talk with Cranjis McBasketball (aka Tim, aka @T1m_NBA) to take a look at the top of the NBA draft using analytics from their college seasons. Tim breaks down why he has Lonzo Ball as the obvious pick at #2 (assuming Fultz goes #1), why he’s skeptical about De’Aaron Fox, and we also get into why we have Josh Jackson as the 3rd best prospect even though there are concerns about his offensive game.

We also discuss some options at #28 and how, in general, some of the numbers don’t always align with what the eye test says. It’s a good conversation with some particularly good insights about the top guys from this past college season. Click through to give it a listen.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alan says

    I keep hearing about how deep this draft is, but the consensus seems to be that these potential number 3 or 4 picks have very little offense? With this analysis, I’d have to pass on both.

    Moving along to the #28, rim protection would be great. What is the chance this pick could get traded?

  2. rr says

    FYI: Lot of reports out there that the Clippers are meeting with Jerry West and trying to hire him.

    • mattal says

      I heard Jerry West on the Dan Patrick Show this morning. You can hear the pain in his voice about how he feels un-welcomed by the Lakers organization. Jerry is 79, he’s not going to demand any control from Magic and Pelinka — why can’t the team bring him back as a consultant?

      I hope that Jeanie can work something out that Jerry can come home and retire a Laker. I think that would offer closure for Jerry and a number of Lakers fans as well. .

  3. A Horse With No Name says

    Lonzo is certainly a analytics star. Interesting for sure. There is the untold story though: the kinds of things a lead guard does but he doesn’t. Thus the data isn’t there for the most part to assess some of his perceived weaknesses. As Cranjis sagely noted, those are the things that the lakers will need to see in his team workout.

    Note to Darius: Really hitting your stride on the podcasts. Sharing your laugh and sounding at ease. Your Draft geekiness is way up.

    Funny moment: Pete asks Cranjis for his thoughts on who he likes for the lakers at the 28th spot. Cranjis goes into a longish take on Ike Anigbogu while Pete and Darius politely hear him out. Then Pete dryly notes that there is a less than 50 percent chance he’s there when the lakers pick. Haha.

  4. R says

    Darius – you’re as ripped as J Randle?!
    How do you find the time, or are you just a natural beast??

  5. FredP says

    Thanks for another podcast and more detailed analysis of the potential draft picks. It will be interesting to see how they pan out next season.

  7. ED says

    Ball`s Laker workouts will be a media circus, along with the leaks from both parties.If they follow the script from previous years,both an individual workout and another with the inclusion of other players.

  8. KevTheBold says

    Another slam dunk podcast by Darius and Pete !

    I’m on board for Lonzo, and though I don’t expect him to be a huge difference maker for a couple of years, I can see him becoming a star.

    That young man has an intelligent coolness about him, that exudes competence, and the skills to match it.