I just happened to be watching a replay of the draft combine right now, showing the scrimmage Kuzma played in. Starting to see the beginnings here in hindsight of why Magic and Rob were interested or sold. I don't put a ton a stock into one scrimmage, but in this one Kuzma made three 3's in a row (one was just after the shot clock buzzer and didn't count), and then made a jumper from 18 off faking a shot at the 3 point line and moving in. Then after a timeout he scored on the next possession diving to the hoop and getting a pass for a layup. So he scored 10 points in a couple minutes, and I think he had like 20 for the game. I wasn't super impressed though, I didn't love what I saw on the boards, he was easily pushed around. Semi played in the same scrimmage, and he didn't look that great though, so I'm seeing what the Lakers saw, Magic, Rob, and Luke all watching. Semi definitely looks small for a 4, and I didn't see him hustling for boards or doing the little things. Didn't really see Kuzma do that either though, guys looking for their shots, not setting great picks, setting quick picks and coming right off looking to get the pass for a shot. Still not sold on this pick.
To be fair... and I'll admit this now that we've passed on him... Semi did that stuff a lot actually. He wasn't very attentive on the glass. He was hit or miss with his energy. Despite his great strength, he didn't (doesn't) bully people enough or throw that weight around. I wanted him and sold on him, but I understand passing on him now that I'm away from my bias. That being said, I still don't really get Kuzma. I've watched a few games of Utah's to try to get excited and... it's just not that inspiring. He's got some skills, but everything about him screams 2nd rounder to me or G-Leaguer even. Hopefully he proves me very wrong.
Don't think so. His game's a lot more varied than Brown with the crazy eyes. I really like what I see. But yeah he's going to need to knock down his shots reasonably well for a rookie.
I meant in terms of Nance ultimately working our vs Brown not working. Hope I'm wrong about that though
If my post came off as pro Kuzma it wasn't intended to. I was pointing out how I could see how the Lakers could be fooled into taking him based off a nice combine and a good workout later on with us. I don't put a lot of stock in that, they have years of college ball games to watch to get a real view of his game.
No I get you. I really don't understand the appeal here besides a guy who is sort of like Leaf that could help Lonzo a bit. I figure though that if/when we trade Randle he'll play more behind Nance Jr. (or vice versa). We'll just have to see. There's a little more than a week until Summer League. Hopefully he shows something we haven't seen yet?
Exactly. Not getting how people are comparing Brown to Kuzma. Kyle has so many other tools in his basketball set. Brown was very one sided with his skillset.
I don't think anyone is comparing their skills/talents. I think it's more as in Brown looked good in college and in his workouts but couldn't translate his game to the NBA.
Not sure how good they will be, but I'm really liking the direction of our team. Guys like Kuzma and Hart are going to work great with Ball. Seems like we actually have a direction.
