On a recent podcast of the B.S. Report, Bill Simmons had NBA Draft analyst Chad Ford as a guest to talk about the upcoming draft prospects.
Ford talked about upcoming Australian prospect Dante Exum and goes on to extol him as having many of the psychological characteristics that many NBA teams look for. Ford goes on to report that one GM has even compared him to a young Kobe Bryant:
“One general manager said, ‘He’s the closest that I’ve seen to a young Kobe Bryant.’”
The comparison is a little unfounded as even Ford acknowledges that there is very little information about Exum. However, Dante will be drafted right out of high school just as Kobe was. Kobe was of course drafted with the 13th pick to the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Exum, however, is predicted to be drafted within the top 5 picks. Dante’s potential is great as he is currently only 18 years old.
Ford does criticize Exum’s shooting but praises his skill set and overall handle of the game. In fact, he has Exum with the third pick in the draft to the Philadelphia Sixers.
As reported, a potential trade to the Lakers involving Michael Carter-Williams and Thaddeus Young for the seventh pick and Steve Nash may come to fruition. This may prove to be beneficial for both parties as Williams is the reigning Rookie of the Year and Thaddeus Young is a young, athletic forward.
The 76ers have been in the rebuilding stages and are gaining a number of young talented players for the future. The Lakers on the other hand acknowledge that they only have two years left before Kobe’s contract expires and possibly retires. With a depleted roster, two talented young players could be a much-needed spark.