Gani Lawal: Perfect Fit for Phoenix
If there's a perfect pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft, then it is Gani Lawal, who was selected as the 46th Overall Pick by the Phoenix Suns. Experts believe that Gawal's skills and style of play will be a good fit for his new team.
During his three-year stint in College, he was overshadowed by underclass-man Derrick Favors in Georgia Tech. His minutes were decreased in his final year with the team, but he was able to put up 13.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Lawal's asset is his athleticism and he can match up with Favors in this area. He has a high vertical leap, can run the floor, and he is a force to reckon with inside the paint. These attributes caught the attention of the Phoenix Suns Organization, which are known for their fast-paced offence.
With his work ethic and superb athleticism, he's expected to be a perfect addition to Phoenix, alongside Steve Nash, Jason Richardson, Robin Lopez, and Amare Stoudemire.
Lawal's skills
Lawal's ability to crash the boards will also be beneficial for Phoenix. This area has been one of the Suns' weaknesses and Lawal can fill that gap. The Suns were able to reach the Western Conference Finals of the previous season but they were dominated inside by the big men of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Finals. His shotblocking ability is also a big plus for his team. He is a big man who will fight for every loose ball and he'll get the dirty work done every game.
Offensively, Lawal has a good reputation in the post. He has good footwork and can turn away for a jumper over his left shoulder. He attacks frequently and has a smooth touch inside the paint. Using his size, strength and jumping prowess, he can make enough separation that will enable him to work hard in the post. He is also a good free-throw shooter which makes him confident to attack the basket and draw fouls from his defender.
Lawal's lacking
Though he is a gifted athlete, he has limited offensive skills away from the block. He rarely attempts jump shots and is not a threat in the perimeter. He also has the tendency to be rattled in the post when he is crowded by defenders, which will usually lead to a turnover. He has to improve his decision-making to establish himself as one of the reliable big men of the Phoenix Suns.
He also needs to fill in the holes he has on the defensive end of the floor. He is an energetic player but needs to use this to his advantage. He has the tendency to become over-aggressive, which will give him foul troubles. He usually leaves his man open when he's trying to be a weak-side defender.
The Suns rising
Though he is likely to come off the bench for the Suns, he is a good addition to their deep roster. Energetic guys like Jared Dudley and Louis Amundson, who were the two most reliable bench players of Phoenix, saved the Suns in one way or another last season. And with Dudley possibly replacing the ageing Grant Hill in the starting lineup, Lawal will likely be that energetic guy from the bench. However, he needs to develop his jump shots because Phoenix is a team that can shoot pretty well from the perimeter.
The Suns’ top priority this summer will be resigning Amare Stoudemire. Whether Stoudemire will stay with the Suns or not, their front office has made a pretty good choice by choosing a big man in the draft. Gani Lawal will be an x-factor next season and has the potential to be an inside threat two to three years from now.
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