Topic: We wonder what rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell needs to average in order for his first season to be a successful year?
Context: The Los Angeles Lakers were fortunate enough to move up to the second overall pick and used it to take Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell. Even though many expected the Lakers to take Jahlil Okafor, the front office and coaching staff ultimately felt that Russell had more upside and was more likely to become a superstar.
Russell struggled during his Summer League run, averaging more turnovers than assists and struggling with his jumper, but his potential remains outstanding. With head coach Byron Scott saying that Kobe Bryant will play mostly small forward this season, it would seem as if Russell will be starting in the backcourt next to Jordan Clarkson, which means Russell will be seeing plenty of minutes and have the opportunity to put up some solid numbers.
As a rookie point guard, especially with the Lakers, all eyes will be on Russell from Day 1 and the pressure will be on for him to produce immediately. However, rookies rarely look great from the beginning and it tends to be worse with point guards.
The talent is clearly there with Russell as well as the opportunity and he is arguably the most important piece of the Lakers rebuild. His success is paramount to the team turning things around as quickly as possible. But what would be considered a successful season for the rookie?
— What will Kobe Bryant make this season? Find out here! —
Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask the loyal Lakers Nation followers what D’Angelo Russell would need to average in order for this year to be a successful season? These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH I’ll give it 12 5 and 6 especially on this team
— Cjames (@TstarkTheBeast) August 1, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation #LNDebate I’d like to see him put up 11 ppg, 4 boards, 5 assists. Very attainable goals if the minutes are there
— Trevor Lane (@16ringsNBA) August 1, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation 15-3-7. I’ll be happy with that. #LNdebate
— Marcus (@SavageEmperor) August 1, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation 16 pts. 7 rbs. 9 asts. 3 stls. #LNDEBATE
— Bryan Barrera (@Bryanbars24) August 1, 2015
@TheeCoreyH honestly, there’s so much hype he needs to at least average 15 & 5 #LNDebate
— Abdul Yusuf (@aryusuf21) August 1, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation #LNDebate 19 5 5 just like his freshmen Year at OSU
— Chris Kim (@chris_kim4) August 1, 2015
@TheeCoreyH #LNDebate Would love to see him at approx. 14-16 ppg, 4-6 rpg, and 7-9 apg.
— Eli (@eburk_) August 1, 2015
The fans have spoken and overall, the statistical hopes for D’Angelo Russell may be a little high in my opinion. It seems that most want Russell around 14 points, five rebounds, seven assists range and that could be a little high for his rookie year.
Since 1990, only one guard has averaged 14-5-7 in his rookie season. That player is Chris Paul. In other words, it might be best for fans to lower their expectations on what Russell will provide in his first year.
If Russell can average around 11 points, three rebounds, and five assists while improving his play throughout the season, that should be more than adequate as a rookie and enough to show that Russell can eventually fulfill his potential with the Lakers.
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