Topic: If you have to choose one, which Lakers big man would you want for the future — Ed Davis or Jordan Hill?
Context: This season is one of transition for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is not going to make the playoffs, which makes this year more about looking towards the future and finding which players are worth keeping around.
Two players who have shown signs of being those types of players are the two starting bigs, Ed Davis and Jordan Hill.
Hill had good games last season, but his minutes were inconsistent. This season, he has been the team’s starting center since opening night and has shown off an improved jumper. However, his defense has been average and he has already struggled with inconsistent production.
Davis is younger than Hill and has been the team’s best interior defender. He knows his limitations on offense, but is a great defender around the rim. His offensive game as a whole, however, is still lacking, and he struggles with fouls at times.
Most teams want a good three-big man rotation and Julius Randle looks to be a big part of the Lakers future. With Kevin Love, Marc Gasol, Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge all being options in free agency, and the top prospect in the draft being center Jahlil Okafor, the Lakers likely would be unable to afford both.
With Hill having a team option after this season, Davis having a player option that he will likely opt-out of and both being potential trade options, the Lakers may have to make a choice between the two. So what should that choice be?
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Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask the loyal Lakers Nation followers, which Lakers big man would they rather have for the future, Ed Davis or Jordan Hill? These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH #LNDebate Ed Davis. Younger and defensively better then Hill. Offense game can be developed easily.
— |||Thotphen Curry||| (@PlutoJO) January 10, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Jordan Hill. Defense isn't bad, offensive board machine, double double waiting to happen. #LNDebate
— Sam Vijeh (@samv7oh) January 10, 2015
Ed Davis has been consistent. Lately, he is better in the post and in defending. He needs to work more on his shot. @LakersNation #LNdebate
— Humberto Guerrero (@Berto__G) January 10, 2015
@TheeCoreyH Davis by a country mile. I like Hill, but I have a lot more faith in what Davis gives game in game out. #LNDebate
— cabbiemike (@cabbiemike) January 10, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Ed Davis! Younger, higher motor and plenty of ceiling left to grow. Hill is what he is in his prime right now
— Jason M Rath (@jrath76) January 10, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Davis is still rough around the edges specially on PnR defense and such… But for future def Davis…
— JeremyLinForum (@jlinforum) January 10, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Ed Davis hands down because of his heart, energy, and passion. Plus he's younger and more athletic. #LNDebate
— Michael Lu (@lulumediainc) January 10, 2015
The fans were nearly unanimous with their selection as nearly everyone would prefer Ed Davis to Jordan Hill for the future. Personally, I agree with the fans in this instance.
Davis has more upside and is a better defender than Hill. Even though Hill is more skilled offensively, Davis plays within himself which has allowed him to be more efficient this season.
If the Lakers are able to bring in another big man this off-season, be it through free agency or the draft, I feel that Davis will be able to fit his skills around whoever that player may be. Additionally, I believe he will be slightly cheaper than Hill, and Hill has more trade value at this time.
Hill has done some great things, but ultimately it doesn’t look like he’s a starting big man in this league. Davis will be great regardless of his role which is why I hope the Lakers shell out the money to keep him in purple and gold, even if it comes at the expense of Hill.
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