The Lakers were “terrified” that Kansas sharpshooter Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk would be gone before they could draft him in the second round, owner Jeanie Buss tells Mike Trudell of NBA.com. L.A. acquired the 39th pick from the Sixers, but opted for German guard Isaac Bonga at that spot. Mykhailiuk was still on the board when they picked again at No. 47.
“We felt like he was basically a first-round talent,” Buss said. “We were surprised he was there at 39, and much more surprised he was there at 47.”
Mykhailiuk showed why the Lakers value him so highly with his performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 16.6 PPG in seven games and earning second team all-league honors. The Lakers signed him to a three-year deal last month worth about $4.6MM.
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- The Warriors have several options if they can’t reach a deal with restricted free agent Patrick McCaw, writes Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. Golden State made a $1.74MM qualifying offer in June that now can’t be pulled without McCaw’s consent. If the second-year shooting guard finds a better deal elsewhere and the Warriors choose not to match, Poole outlines the team’s alternatives, which include re-signing veteran guard Nick Young. Other possibilities are Corey Brewer, Jamal Crawford, Josh Huestis or if he can get medical clearance, Chris Bosh.
- Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari looked good in the NBA Africa Game, but he won’t be playing for Italy in a pair of upcoming FIBA qualifying contests, tweets Italian journalist Davide Chinellato. “After consulting with the Clippers, medical staff and my agent, the conclusion has been made that it is best to stay in the U.S. in preparation for the upcoming NBA season, rather than participate in these international games,” said Gallinari, who finished last season with a fractured right hand. “I am excited to take on a leadership role with this team and to have a strong start going into training camp.”
- Harry Giles and Marvin Bagley III could give the Kings a pair of contenders for Rookie of the Year honors, notes Noel Harris of The Sacramento Bee. No Sacramento rookie has claimed the trophy since Tyreke Evans in 2010.
Goes to show you what they think of issac bonga to take him ahead of svi. I think ultimately they wanted robinson in the second round, but he got snagged 3 picks before hand. Personally i would rather of hand robinson with our first round pick. Mo wagner isnt very good and looked that way in preseason. I think svi made up for our lackluster draft.
Robinson was a steal but Wagner is a good player.
I thought Wagner looked a lot better than expected, especially on defense. He seems like more than a shooter
They could not have been too “terrified” if they had a chance to get him at #39, especially when they traded for the pick. FYI, the number of times that NBA/NFL/NHL/MLB team officials have pronounced the words “we were surprised he was available” after a draft is nearly the as the number of stars in the galaxy.
Yeah just a whole bunch of front office coach speak. If they wanted him that badly they would have taken him at 39
Future looking good & bright in Sacramento with some really promising young guys, MBIII & Giles & other quite good like Hield, Labissiere, WCS & a few decent pieces like Fox, Ferrell… looking good, I think they will be better than many expect this year.
Mykhailiuk is a flat out stud and the Lakers were very fortunate he landed in their lap.
Things seemed to revolve around him in summer league. Hart was a steady source of points but the key was getting svi hot. He lacks lateral movement so he will have to be used properly.