The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to take Indiana University guard Jalen Hood-Schifino with the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA draft on Thursday was met with mixed reactions.
He lacks speed and athleticism, an NBA-ready 3-point shooting ability and the capability to reliably finish at the rim. However, he is a terrific facilitator, passer, mid-range shooter and defender who possesses outstanding length at 6-foot-6 and has a 6-foot-10 wingspan.
Some Lakers fans wanted the team to take Cam Whitmore, a 6-foot-7 forward from Villanova University, and the team reportedly considered doing so.
Via The Athletic:
“Even as Cam Whitmore, who was a projected lottery pick, slid to Houston at pick No. 20, no team decided to trade up to steal him. (The Lakers considered Whitmore, according to team sources, but determined Hood-Schifino was a surer bet.)”
Most believe Whitmore fell in the draft because numerous teams were concerned about his health.
In the end, the Lakers drafted an intriguing and athletic wing of their own when Maxwell Lewis, who was expected by some to go late in the first round, fell to them at No. 40.