We’ve covered just about every potential first round draft in this weekly series for the 2014 NBA Draft. With the draft now less than two weeks away, we take a look at our final prospect. Last but not least would be UCLA’s Zach LaVine, likely a mid-first round pick.
The Sixers of course have the third and tenth overall picks, making LaVine an unlikely candidate as things currently stand. However, that does not mean he should be left off the radar or ignored. The Sixers have a plethora of second-round picks, as well as a valuable trade chip in Thaddeus Young, so it is possible that they jump back into the first round and grab another player in the area LaVine will be targeted. It is also possible that they could trade back if their target at No. 10 is not there.
LaVine is a combo guard that is actually quite similar to a former Bruins combo guard, current NBA superstar Russell Westbrook. The two have been compared because they each possess similar body types, with athletic legs and long, rangy arms (remember Westbrook’s effortless triple-double against the Sixers earlier this season). Each is also explosive and can score faster than they know it.
A freshman, LaVine comes in very raw. He also is similar to Westbrook in that he will make some of the biggest head-scratching decisions you will see on a basketball court. Though he is a good shooter with deep range, LaVine also is a poor decision-maker and takes very questionable shots. When running the point guard position, he seems at times to be more concerned with scoring himself that he does not let plays unfold or develop opportunities for teammates. He is only 19 years old (played much of the season as an 18-yyear-old), so there is plenty of time to improve, but he is coming in very raw.
With those weaknesses out of the way, there still is a lot to like in the Washington native. As mentioned, LaVine has long arms and has a wingspan of 6’9”, something that certainly will help on the defensive end. He also has a very quick first (and second and third) step, and is also a very explosive leaper. He also can hit tough shots and should project to be an offensive weapon. LaVine does remind a lot of people of Westbrook, but I will stop short of comparing him and projecting him to be a complete clone of the fellow UCLA stud.
Pro comparison: Russell Westbrook
The Verdict: As we said, there is a lot to like in LaVine. In fact, he makes a lot of sense for what the Sixers are doing: having long, athletic, with a high defensive and overall ceiling. He has a very similar body to Michael Carter-Williams, and the metrics pointed Sam Hinkie that direction, ultimately hitting a home run with the rookie of the year. Speaking of MCW, the Sixers have a solid PG so the concerns with LaVine at that position would be eased. In a 76ers jersey, he would be more of a shooter and can play a supporting role in the PG depth chart. I would not go out of my way to get him too far, like reaching to take him at No. 10. I would, however, take him later in the round if I can get back in by trading Young or a few of the second round picks. The Sixers are collecting pieces, and he certainly can be a solid one moving forward—at the right price.
