D'Angelo Russell to Lakers: Twitter Reacts as PG Is Selected in 2015 NBA Draft
Former Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell was always going to be an early pick in the 2015 NBA draft. The question was just how early, and the Los Angles Lakers answered that by selecting Russell No. 2 overall on Thursday.
The Lakers showed general manager Mitch Kupchak call the pick in:
And also showed Russell receiving the call from the Lakers:
Russell parlayed a phenomenal freshman season into a high draft lottery landing spot and will now be asked to pull a lot of weight as a franchise pillar for the Lakers.
With a need for a center and Jahlil Okafor still on the board, Twitter's takes on LA's choice were rather polarizing. Lakers coach Byron Scott talked about what Russell will bring to the table and what went into the selection, per the team:
"The decision that was made was to basically take the best player available. ... We really felt this kid was special. I think D'Angelo has a chance to be a superstar. Talent-wise, he might be the best player in the draft. My advice would be to stick as close to Kobe as possible. Learn as much as you can from him.
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ESPN Stats & Info added context to the Lakers' top draft choice:
CBS Sports' Seth Davis didn't agree with the pick, while ESPN's Bomani Jones felt Russell was the proper player to acquire:
The reactions from USA Today's Nicole Auerbach and Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times showed opposite ends of the spectrum as well:
Lakers legend Magic Johnson didn't hide his feelings on the Lakers' new guard:
Michael Grange of Sportsnet believes the Lakers' decision not to draft Okafor means they will land Portland Trail Blazers All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency:
ESPN New York's Ohm Youngmisuk noticed the enthusiastic fan reaction to Russell's selection at Brooklyn's Barclays Center:
Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding notes how much faith the Lakers organization has in Russell:
Baxter Holmes of ESPN.com reported some of what Russell said after being drafted, including his enthusiasm for joining a traditionally winning team and being mentored by Kobe Bryant:
The epitome of a breakout star, even Russell agreed with his father in believing he'd need two or three years with the Buckeyes before going to the pros, per Bleacher Report's Jason King:
"I thought the same thing. Early in the season, I'd always tell Coach [Thad] Matta, 'I'm going to be here a while. You've got me.' But then all these good things started happening. I started hitting shots and making all of these crazy passes. It got a lot of people's attention, and I started playing with more and more swagger. The NBA thing came up. I couldn't say no.
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Oh, how things have changed. ESPN Stats & Info highlighted the unique stratosphere Russell shot into with his brilliant all-around play in 2014-15:
In terms of what to expect from Russell right away as he transitions to the NBA, he has the skill set and intangibles to live up to his gaudy draft status.
CBSSports.com's Zach Harper weighed in on how lethal Russell can be even in simple offensive sets:
Although he was a dynamic 2-guard for the Buckeyes who has plenty of shooting range and is crafty in creating separation, Russell has rare passing ability and vision to set up teammates. His tremendous ball-handling prowess will also allow him to run the point when he's asked to.
Russell's swagger, confidence and knack for controlling a game with a fluid, seemingly effortless style of play bring to mind reigning Golden State Warriors NBA MVP and champion Stephen Curry. That's a gaudy comparison, but it's one Russell is capable of justifying.
If the Lakers get even a slightly poor man's version of Curry in Russell, he will still be viewed as a tremendous pick years down the road. What is rather certain is Russell will inject plenty of energy and excitement into LA's offense right away.
With better finishing ability at the rim and more consistent effort as a defender, the 19-year-old has all the makings of a perennial All-Star. Those are the areas Russell will have to work on in what should be a wonderful NBA career to witness, and it will help to have a legend like Bryant to guide him.
