Draft Day: Lakers And Knecht

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Draft Day: Lakers and Jett Howard, A Winning Combination?

The 2023 NBA Draft is in the books, and the Los Angeles Lakers, despite not having a first-round pick, made a splash, selecting Jett Howard with the 31st overall pick. While not the flashy, lottery-pick selection some fans hoped for, the move has sparked significant discussion. Was this a shrewd pick for the Lakers, or a missed opportunity? Let's delve into the details surrounding the Lakers' selection of Jett Howard.

Jett Howard: A Closer Look

Jett Howard, son of former NBA player Juwan Howard, isn't your typical late-first-round prospect. He brings a unique blend of skills and potential to the table. His strengths lie in his shooting ability, court awareness, and basketball IQ. He's a smooth shooter with range, capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc. His basketball lineage is evident in his polished game, showing a maturity and understanding beyond his years.

Strengths:

• Shooting Prowess: Howard's shooting is his most significant asset. His consistent three-point shooting is a valuable weapon in the modern NBA.
• High Basketball IQ: He possesses a strong understanding of the game, making smart decisions with the ball and reading defenses effectively.
• Versatility: He can play both shooting guard and small forward, offering positional flexibility.
• Potential for Growth: While he's already a skilled player, there's significant room for growth in his overall game, particularly in his strength and athleticism.

Areas for Improvement:

• Athleticism: Howard isn't known for his explosive athleticism, which could be a disadvantage against quicker, more athletic opponents.
• Defense: He needs to improve his defensive consistency and intensity to become a reliable two-way player.
• Strength: Adding strength will enable him to better compete for rebounds and position himself defensively.

The Lakers' Perspective: Filling a Need?

The Lakers' selection of Jett Howard is intriguing, especially considering their existing roster. Their needs clearly lie in adding depth and shooting. Howard's shooting ability directly addresses this need. While not a star player, he fills a crucial role as a floor-spacer and reliable shooter, allowing LeBron James and Anthony Davis more space to operate.

Strategic Fit:

The pick suggests a focus on developing young talent and building a sustainable future. The Lakers, after years of chasing immediate success, may be shifting towards a long-term strategy. Howard is a player who fits well within this strategy, providing valuable minutes and developing into a potentially significant contributor over time.

Potential Impact and Future Outlook

The impact of Jett Howard on the Lakers will depend on his development and his ability to adapt to the NBA game. His immediate contributions might be limited, but his potential for growth is considerable. If he can refine his athleticism and defense, he could become a valuable part of the Lakers' rotation in future seasons. He represents a low-risk, high-reward pick for the Lakers.

Conclusion: A Solid Pick?

The selection of Jett Howard isn't flashy, but it might prove to be a smart move by the Lakers. It addresses a clear need, provides long-term potential, and reduces their reliance on short-term solutions. Whether this pick truly translates into success remains to be seen, but the Lakers' front office appears to have taken a calculated risk with a player who offers valuable shooting and a high basketball IQ. Only time will tell if this choice will pay off for the purple and gold. His development will be a key factor in determining the ultimate success of this draft-day decision.