Golden State Warriors: 2014 NBA Draft Outlook

Prospect #2: Zach LaVine (UCLA)

December 14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Zach LaVine (14) dunks to score a basket against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

If available, LaVine is another player Golden State would consider if they were on the clock at pick 13. While he does possess elite athleticism and sufficient size for a shooting guard (similar in size to Jamal Crawford), he was quite underwhelming at the collegiate level. LaVine is just 19 years young however, so he still has plenty of time for his production to catch up to his athletic potential.

A few highlights of his game all circle around his athleticism, including an explosive first step and great quickness, particularly in the open court. LaVine’s quick first step allows him to beat his defender to the rim and his quickness makes him a tough defensive assignment in transition, leading to easy baskets.

Because of his great first step to the basket, LaVine is also able to use this to his advantage by creating his own jump shot. If LaVine can harness his stroke from early in the year (42 of 97 from three, 43 percent) instead of the final stretch of the year (6 of 31, 19 percent), he could turn into a very respectable player.

LaVine leaves much to be desired, however. The positives with LaVine basically stop with his athleticism, as he is an average ball handler, passer and defender. He has a tendency to settle for long two-point jump shots instead of using his athleticism to get to the rim. A ceiling for LaVine would be Terrence Ross, and a floor would be Gerald Green when he wasn’t on an NBA roster.