Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell, despite the inconsistent on offense and the lack of athleticism to defend dynamic guards on the other side of the court, has enormous superstar potential, whether you believe it or not.
Basketball Insiders analyst Ben Dowsett believes it's still early to question Russell's athleticism at this point of his career, given that his body hasn't matured to that of a full-grown man yet. Moreover, Dowsett is confident that Russell's incredible feel for the game and effortless shooting mechanics would help him reach his high ceiling.
Dowsett of Basketball Insiders:
"I think his offensive ceiling hasn't even begun to be touched - his feel for the game is incredible and his shot is so effortless, but he's still learning the speed and urgency parts that often take young point guards several years.
I do also think, as you alluded to, that he'll be able to improve his body over the next few years and add bits of athleticism. If he ever has the drive and smarts to be even an average defender, I think Russell still has superstar potential."
-Lakers head coach Luke Walton is not worried about Luol Deng's current shooting woes as long as he continues to be a great role model for the Lakers young studs.
Walton, who was the primary reason behind Deng's decision to sign with the Lakers last season, lauds the veteran's professionalism, not to mention his leadership on and off the court.
"Everyone is going to get different amounts of shots from different areas each night. It is harder in that sense to know when your shots are coming," Walton said of Deng in an interview with Mike Medina of Los Angeles OC Register. "But he's a professional, in the gym and working every day before practice and staying afterwards getting treatment. I'm not concerned with him starting to knock down his shot again."
Deng is averaging 6.7 points on 32 percent FG shooting and 33 percent beyond the 3-point line over 13 games for the Lakers.
