Picking at No. 4, DeAndre Hunter might present the best option and fit for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the 2019 NBA Draft
Thanks to a bit of luck on NBA Draft Lottery night, the Los Angeles Lakers will be picking fourth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. And at No. 4, there will be a number of options for the Lakers. However, there might not be a prospect that fits on the team’s roster more than DeAndre Hunter.
Hunter, a 6-foot-7 guard/forward, helped lift the Virginia Cavaliers to an NCAA Championship this past season. On the season, Hunter averaged 15 points and five rebounds on 52 percent shooting from the field.
Perhaps his most impressive performance of the season came against Texas Tech in the NCAA Championship, in which he scored 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the field.
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But Hunter had humble beginnings as a collegiate player. During the 2017-18 season, Hunter wasn’t even a starter for Virginia and only averaged nine points per game. However, it seems as if everything clicked during his sophomore season, improving in almost every statistical category.
One of his most attractive attributes as a prospect is the fact that he’s an excellent 3-point shooter, and posted a 44 percent clip from deep this past season.
Offensively, DeAndre Hunter’s game has no flaws. None. Despite being 6-foot-7 and 225 lbs, he can shoot, pass, and dribble like a shooting guard. Defensively, he was able to guard every position at the college level. And his 7-foot-2 wingspan can make him an effective shot blocker in the NBA will allow him to guard the paint area.
Hunter’s game is reminiscent of a young Kawhi Leonard. He can definitely be an asset for the Lakers moving forward if drafted at No. 4.
The Lakers struggled defensively and from the 3-point line last season. The Lakers also need a Power Forward on their roster. He will be able to help fill these voids for the Lakers.
Drafting DeAndre Hunter gives the Lakers a safety net if they want to trade Kyle Kumza or Brandon Ingram too.
The opportunity to play with Lebron James is a rare opportunity for any player. Lebron James will enable Hunter to excel as a 3-point shooter and fit seamlessly. Hunter will also have the opportunity to grow and develop with the other young Laker players.
Should the Los Angeles Lakers have the opportunity to draft DeAndre Hunter, they shouldn’t hesitate.