UCLA Bruins guard Zach LaVine is one of the most intriguing players in the entire 2014 NBA Draft, and the Minnesota Timberwolves will take a chance on his immense potential as they select LaVine with the 13th pick.
2014 NBA Draft Results: Minnesota selects Zach LaVine with 13th pick
The 6’5 guard will go to Minnesota and develop as he tries to help the Timberwolves get back to the postseason.
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The 6’5 combo guard started off hot in his first month with the Bruins, shooting 16-of-28 (57 percent) from behind the arc. That shooting leveled off as the season progressed, but he still shot 44 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from deep. LaVine struggled at the end of the season; in his last five games, he scored just 11 points on 19 shots.
But the potential is there. LaVine has the most bounce in the draft, registering a 46 inch vertical in a workout with the Lakers. He's a bullet in transition and he has the ability to create his own shot in the half court. He struggles scoring at the rim, however, and he's a work in progress on the defensive end.
He’s the most hit-or-miss player in the draft and it’s going to take some time for LaVine to figure his way on both ends o the court. He may work best as a D-League product for his first two years as a professional. If he maxes out his potential, he’ll be well worth the selection. That’s a big if, though.
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