As arguably the most talented guard in the 2015 NBA Draft, D’Angelo Russell will be a hot commodity on June 25. Although Russell hasn’t gotten much consideration ahead of Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns in terms of being drafted within the top two picks, many believe the Ohio State product has tremendous potential and could be one of the next great guards in the NBA.
— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —
For those that have followed Russell’s basketball career thus far, it is no secret he’s a fan of reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Russell is such of a fan of the superstar guard that he modeled his game after him as he told reporters during his workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, according to Lakers Nation’s Serena Winters:
D'Angelo Russell says he's his own player but he does really try to model his game after Steph Curry & how much he's worked for his success
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) June 8, 2015
Russell went on to talk about the similarities he sees between himself and Curry, via Winters:
Similarities D'Angelo Russell sees with Steph Curry: ball handling, shot selection and work ethic
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) June 8, 2015
If Russell can become a player anywhere near Curry’s talent level, the team that drafts him will drastically change their backcourt for the foreseeable future. The only real question moving forward for Russell is whether he’ll develop as a point guard or a shooting guard on the next level.
Russell has expressed an interest to play point guard in the NBA, but his role may change depending on the need of the team that drafts him. Landing with the Lakers would be an interesting scenario with both Russell and Jordan Clarkson capable of playing both backcourt positions, and Kobe Bryant potentially only playing one more season.
According to MyNBADraft.com, Russell is expected to be drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers ultimately choose to go with Russell if it comes down to a choice between the former Buckeye and Okafor, but the consensus points to him landing in Philadelphia if all goes according to plan for Los Angeles and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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