Lakers select Jalen Hood-Schifino with No. 17 pick
With the No. 17 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers took point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Hood-Schifino is an intriguing prototype in the modern NBA as a pure point guard with excellent length and a strong frame. As a freshman at Indiana, he thrived in the pick-and-roll with All-American Trayce Jackson-Davis as a roll man and could anchor a second unit at the point from the get-go with his skill set.
Hood-Schifino's ceiling may not be as sky-high as other guard prospects due to a lack of elite burst and an inconsistent scoring repertoire. Improving defensively to add to the versatility that his size advantage provides could boost his potential.
Bio
Position: Guard
School: Indiana
College Experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 217 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-10
Max Vertical: N/A
2022-23 stats with Indiana
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | .417 | .333 | .776 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 13.5 |
Strengths
- Great size helps him guard up and see over the defense.
- Effective ball-handler, passer, and pull-up shooter in the pick-and-roll.
- Gets to his offensive spots with ease.
- Active defensive rebounder for his position.
Weaknesses
- Lacks traditional quickness of a lead guard.
- Shaky 3-point jumper, which he doesn't rely on often.
- Below-average defender, both in natural ability and instincts.
- Can sometimes struggle to score at the rim without elite bounce.
NBA comparable: Lance Stephenson. While Hood-Schifino may not possess the same demeanor as the eccentric NBA veteran, his large frame as a guard and evident passing talent put him in a similar boat as a capable starter with the potential to pop for a triple-double on any given night.