In addition, this kid has excellent foot work and quick feet for his size, decent form on his shot, VERY UNDERRATED THIS DRAFT. His improvement the last 2 years has been really good and i don't think he is even close to his ceiling. He is going to open some eyes. After watching 50% of the Utah games the last 2 years, I can say pretty confidently, he is going to be a good player. One more thing, he almost ALWAYS finishes when at the rim. People giving this pick anything less than a B really have no idea what they are talking about.
Call me clueless then. Look you're entitled to your opinion, but take it down a notch. The guy has flaws and in my opinion those flaws stand out. He's not a defensive presence, he's not a strong player, his athleticism is questionable. I don't see any evidence that he always finishes at the rim. I'd love to be wrong. I want to be wrong. Larry Nance Jr. was a surprise and he was a wonderful player. I think some of Kuzma's flaws are going to be covered by a versatile offensive ability and having good lead guards who will take pressure off of him. I still see flaws though and he's going to have to change my mind. If he's as good as you say, I'll celebrate right along with you and eat all the crow @LTLakerFan can find.
Listening to Rob's post draft press conference, I feel better about this guy. Apparently they've scouted this guy for some time and he feels very much like a Jesse Buss/Ryan West pick. That duo has at least earned my confidence in their draft picks.
Anyone else notice, or maybe I missed it, that Rob didn't mention their Director of Player Personnel, Ryan West being in that war room last night along with all the other names?
No offense, but at the moment this pick seems redundant. Kuzma looks like a less athletic Larry Nance to me. I just don't see where his minutes come from playing behind Randall and Nance.
For what it's worth, Pelinka on ESPN710 just gave Ryan West a specific shout out as someone crucial to their process.
WOOT WOOT WOOT!!! Keep him in house. He's grown up a Laker and should be a lifer. Pay the man and make sure he is happy with the title and the job he has. Do not let the 2nd West get away. :Headbang:
I hope he's not another Brian Cook. He was like the Big Ten player of the year when we got him too back in 03
I think Larry is a capable shooter, he just chose for whatever reason not to take those shots. Do you think he replaces Nance, and that he'll grab minutes ahead of him?
Haha Totally different players and different skillsets. No comparison what's so ever. I can really see Kuzma play some SF