Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA Mock Draft 9.0: LaMelo Ball falls out of the top 3; Knicks snag Obi Toppin

By Michael Saenz

NBA Draft prospect Killian Hayes (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
NBA Draft prospect Killian Hayes (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
29 of 31
Next
NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Vernon Carey Jr. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

28. Los Angeles Lakers – Vernon Carey Jr., Duke

Selection and commentary: Jonathan Kiernan 

This is a dream pick for the Los Angeles Lakers. While not a glaring weakness for the Lakers, Vernon Carey Jr. brings an excellent skill set to the Los Angeles Lakers that they do not currently possess at the center position.

With Carey being equally comfortable facing or having his back to the basket, this allows for the Lakers to run more versatile offensive sets while keeping Anthony Davis at the power forward spot.

Carey, fresh off the ACC Player of the Year award, finished his freshman season with top 5 stats in the ACC in points per game, total points, blocks, rebounds, and was amongst the leaders in both offensive and defensive rating as well as having a stellar true shooting percentage. With an old school type of game, Carey needs to improve his 3-point shooting (although he does have good form) and his perimeter defense to fully realize his potential.

A great pick up by the Lakers.