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One of the reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers went from borderline playoff team to legit contender at the trade deadline was their addition of young forward Jarred Vanderbilt, a defensive specialist with great tools on that end of the floor, one who can finish around the basket very efficiently on offense, at that. Vanderbilt, already 24, won’t ever be a star – his lack of shooting and overall offensive skill will prevent that – but he can be a star in his role as a versatile, impactful defender who doesn’t try to do too much on offense.
Of course, that type of player – a non-shooting wing – can get played off the floor in the playoffs, as they allow opponents to hide their worst defender or even defend 5-on-4 but even then, Vanderbilt is the type to help teams win games thanks to his defensive expertise.
2022-23 stats: 7.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg, 54.8 FG% in 78 games
2023-24 salary: $4,698,000 (projected 251st overall in salary)
For more on Jarred Vanderbilt, including a scouting report and accolades, click here.
