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Former Lakers draft pick showcasing potential with dominant performances
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Former Lakers draft pick showcasing potential with dominant performances

Jalen Hood-Schifino’s NBA journey has been anything but smooth. After being selected 17th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 NBA Draft, his rookie season was derailed by injuries, significantly stalling his development. 

His time in Los Angeles ended abruptly when he was included in the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Hood-Schifino was shipped to the Utah Jazz as part of the deal — only to be swiftly waived.

Now, the 21-year-old guard is getting a fresh start with the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a two-way contract on Feb. 28. While he has yet to debut for the Sixers, he has been making an impact in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats, showcasing the talent that once made him a first-round pick.

Through his first three games with Delaware, Hood-Schifino has averaged an impressive 27 points and four assists while shooting 50 percent from three-point range — all in just 25.3 minutes per game. His last two outings have been particularly dominant, with back-to-back 30-plus-point performances and 12 made three-pointers over the three-game span.

His ability to score at all three levels, combined with his 6-foot-6 frame, has made him a tough matchup for G League defenders. This is not the first time he has excelled at this level; last season, he played 15 games for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 22 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 43.2 percent from deep. His biggest concern has been his health, but now that he is fully fit, his offensive skill set is on display.

Even when healthy last season, Hood-Schifino struggled to earn minutes in the Lakers’ rotation as the team continuously reshaped its roster in pursuit of playoff success. However, with the 76ers’ season not going as planned, there could be an opportunity for him to get NBA minutes before the regular season concludes. 

As Philadelphia evaluates its roster for next season, Hood-Schifino’s strong G League production suggests he may still have a future at the NBA level. If he continues his impressive play, he could force his way into a role in Philadelphia or elsewhere.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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