Los Angeles Lakers 2018 NBA Draft profile: Troy Brown

The Los Angeles Lakers’ needs in the 2018 NBA Draft depend on the team’s plan for the 2018 offseason. Thus, a Swiss Army Knife like Troy Brown may be intriguing.

It is unclear what the Los Angeles Lakers are going to be targeting in the 2018 NBA Draft. Right now, shooting guard and center seem to be the most likely positions taken in the draft.

However, that could widely change based on what the Lakers plan to do this summer. It depends on which star will be signed, which depth pieces will be added, what the team does with Julius Randle.

The hard part about this is that the offseason, and when the Lakers can officially sign free agents, does not begin until July 1. The 2018 NBA Draft is on June 21.

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And while the Lakers may have a plan for the summer, it also widely depends on what key stars do. The two most connected stars to the Los Angeles Lakers, Paul George and LeBron James, both have player options. While it is unlikely, it is possible that both stars decide to stay in their respective cities for one more year.

Thus, the Lakers may look to add a player that can add value in multiple areas. A player like Tyreke Evans, who can conceivably play three of the five positions on the court. If that is the motive, Oregon’s Troy Brown becomes the obvious leading candidate.

Brown is a six-foot-six guard that is big enough to play small forward in the NBA with a six-foot-ten-inch wingspan. Brown played just one year of collegiate ball, averaging 13.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

Clean shot mechanics and size gave Brown the ability to shoot the basketball fairly well from mid-range; his wingspan granted him an advantage to finish over smaller opposition at the college level.

However, Brown was not a great three-point shooter, which may limit his offense at the NBA level. Brown shot 44.4 percent from the field but just 29.1 percent from beyond the arc. Brown was good for about one make in just over three attempts per game.

Regardless of the numbers, Brown can still be a spot-up shooter off of the dribble and with some work will be a great option in a pick-and-pop style of play. While his range may limit him to be most efficient from 15-17 feet away, he can be a threat both on and off the ball.

Brown’s passing, despite not being a natural point guard, is what makes him so flexible in positioning. Brown has showcased an elite basketball IQ and was a great passer at Oregon. He only averaged 2.5 turnovers per game.

His size may have inflated his rebounding numbers as a freshman, but immediately as a rookie off of the bench Brown should be good for at least four rebounds per game. As he gets older (he will be 19 before the start of the season) and gains more athleticism he can flirt with six to seven rebounds per game.

However, it is his age and athleticism that may ultimately hold the Lakers back. With a late-round pick, the Lakers may be looking for someone to plug straight into the offense and have an immediate effect. Brown may be a few years away from that level of production.

In recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers have selected experienced college prospects late in the draft to ensure a smooth transition. It has worked out pretty well for them. Jordan Clarkson and Kyle Kuzma were selected as juniors. Josh Hart and Larry Nance Jr were selected as seniors.

Next: Lakers draft profile: Donte DiVincenzo

If the Los Angeles Lakers are confident in the transition to the NBA then Troy Brown becomes the obvious best selection. However, with intents on winning now, the Lakers may go with a more seasoned college prospect.

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