Zach LaVine
College: UCLA
Age: 19 years old
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 180 Lbs
Position: Guard
NBA Comparison: Shaun Livingston
One of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft is UCLA guard Zach LaVine. After coming off the bench during his freshman year, many believed that with Bruins point guard Kyle Anderson turning pro, LaVine would return for his sophomore year as a starter for UCLA.
After having a strong start to the season, LaVine struggled down the stretch averaging only 2.6 points per game in the NCAA tournament and finished the season averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
With a strong showing at the Chicago pre-draft combine, LaVine seems to have assured him a spot in the 7-15 range on draft night.
Strengths:
The first thing you think of when you hear the name Zach LaVine is athleticism. At his workout for the Los Angeles Lakers, LaVine showcased his leaping ability with an impressive 46 inch vertical. At the draft combine, LaVine finished top five in the lane agility time, shuttle run, three quarter sprint, standing vertical jump and max vertical leap drills. It’s safe to assume that LaVine athletic ability will translate over well at the NBA level. If LaVine can successfully defend the point guard position, his athleticism and size will give opposing NBA point guards fits next season.
LaVine’s athleticism & leaping ability will ensure he is able to score around the rim next season, but LaVine has also proven that he can shoot the basketball. Last season, LaVine made 48 three-pointers in 37 games, finishing at a 38% clip; confirming that his offensive repertoire also includes a nice shooting stroke.
When your 6’6”, can jump out of the gym and can score from anywhere on the floor; it’s safe to assume that LaVine has the tools to excel at the NBA level.
Weaknesses:
Although LaVine has all the tools and abilities to be a future all-star in the NBA, he is still young at 19 years of age and his lack of experience may hurt him next season. With the talk of LaVine possibly playing point guard next season, he will have to improve his passing ability. In 24 minutes last year, LaVine only averaged 1.8 assists per game. In his defense, he was mainly the go-to guy on the second unit, but if he plans on playing point guard at the NBA level, he will have to prove he can distribute the ball.
At only 180 pounds, LaVine’s slim frame will put him at dis-advantage next season. LaVine will need to add weight and strength to go up against NBA guards.
Confidence & consistency may also be an issue with LaVine. As we saw during the last month of March and into the NCAA tournament, as the games got bigger and brighter, you saw less and less of Zach LaVine. He struggled to see the floor and his production dropped off. We all know he will have rookie jitters, but if LaVine wants to excel at the next level, he will need to ensure that his lapses are few and far between.
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