When the Los Angeles Lakers took Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, some fans weren’t fully sure what to make of the selection.
The Indiana University guard has great size, a nice midrange game and good facilitating and defensive skills. On the other hand, he hasn’t shown he’s a dependable outside shooter and he’s thought to be slow-footed.
However, executive Rob Pelinka has spoken glowingly of Hood-Schifino and believes he can do very well in L.A.
The 20-year-old also seems confident he will be successful as a member of the Purple and Gold.
Via The Athletic:
“I would just say I’m an all-around player,” Hood-Schifino said. “I check a lot of boxes. Obviously, a big guard. I feel like I can score from all three levels. Really unselfish. Floor general.”
Hood-Schifino will get his first opportunity to show his stuff when the Lakers begin summer league play during the first week of July. If they end up losing D’Angelo Russell and/or Austin Reaves in free agency, or even if Dennis Schroder leaves, Hood-Schifino could end up getting a golden opportunity to play meaningful minutes as a rookie.