Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA
By Connor Learn
D'Angelo Russell
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D’Angelo Russell is a flawed player at this point in time. His shot selection can be described as questionable at best; 40.9 percent from the field leaves a lot of room for improvement. Games where he has shot 5-of-17, 7-of-20 (2x), 6-of-18, 4-of-14, and so on have been factors in the Lakers current 20-51 record. Furthermore, Russell’s defensive performance could be described as inconsistent, though it is usually just bad. The 21-year-old still has a lot of growing to do in his career if he will live up to his potential.
The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t necessarily wrong to choose D’Angelo Russell second overall despite his flaws. While Kristaps Porzingis may look like the correct pick in retrospect, Russell has turned in performances that Lakers fans hope to see more of in the future. His 40 point performance against the Cavaliers last Sunday is a good example of that. 29 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds against Russell Westbrook and 22 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds in a win against the Nuggets are other recent examples of what Russell can do. Considering that he should be a junior in college, the future is still bright for the Lakers young floor general.
Russell has improved from year one into year two. Despite competing for touches in the backcourt with Jordan Clarkson, Nick Young, and until recently, Lou Williams, he has upped his scoring and assist numbers in similar minutes. Assuming that Russell continues to improve his efficiency and defensive effort moving forward, he should have a future at guard for the Lakers. Presently, he should be considered an explosive, if inconsistent, offensive threat that can win a game just as easily as he can lose one.