The Los Angeles Lakers and Pittsburgh forward Blake Hinson agreed to terms on a two-way contract shortly after the 2024 NBA Draft concluded. The long-range sharpshooter went undrafted, most likely owing to his age of 24, and now joins JJ Redick and LeBron James on the Lakers’ roster.
Hinson was a 3-point sniper during his final two college seasons at Pittsburgh. He shot 38.0% on 7.1 attempts during his junior season and 42.1% on 7.9 attempts during his senior year. He was named to the All-ACC Second and First Teams in his junior and senior seasons, respectively, and had the highest 3-point % among qualified ACC players in his final college season.
Even at 24, it’s surprising he wasn’t drafted given all of his accomplishments. However, he could be one of the guys that chose to go undrafted in order to join a specific team. If that’s the case, he informed Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation that he had very specific reasons for wanting to join the team.
“First and foremost, once JJ Redick was hired. Being a fantastic catch-and-shoot player and an outstanding ACC player. “I wanted to see if I could be a part of a program that he was in charge of and oversaw,” Hinson explained. “So, when he was first announced for the position, I thought to myself, I really wish I could have the opportunity to be coached by one of the greatest catch-and-shooters ever.
“And then being in a situation with such a playmaker as one of the finest players ever, LeBron James. For a catch-and-shoot shooter like me, being coached by JJ Redick and playing alongside the greatest playmaker of all time would be a dream come true. For me, the decision seemed obvious. So here I am, working my tail off to get to that place, and hopefully I can help.”
Playing alongside James is a shooter’s dream since his gravity and playmaking bring out the best in catch-and-shoot guys.
For Redick, learning from a guy he aspires to imitate in the NBA is an ideal situation. Hinson discussed his previous conversation with Redick, as well as any future discussions the two may have.
I had one conversation with JJ. “It was a good conversation,” Hinson stated. “He clearly recognized who I was, which is amazing to me. That was awesome, even if I figured he did. But not much; he’ll most likely be more involved when he arrives in Vegas.
As a two-way player, it is unknown how much effect he will have in his debut season. However, several players have been key rotation members in Year 1, and Hinson possesses the necessary skillset to succeed on the Lakers’ roster.
JJ Redick: Jarred Vanderbilt will be a major part of the Lakers’ identity.
JJ Redick discussed Jarred Vanderbilt, who missed the most of last season due to injury, and how his defensive energy will be an important part of the Lakers’ identity in 2024-25.
