The Los Angeles Lakers brought veteran point guard Marcelo Huertas to Los Angeles last summer with the hope that he could help mentor young guards D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson in the delicate art of the pick and roll. Huertas was also tasked with running the second unit and setting up scorers like Lou Williams and Nick Young.
During the preseason, Huertas thrived, with his passing flair and court vision producing an exciting brand of basketball. However, as opposing teams adjusted and took away passing lanes, Huertas became ineffective and was relegated to then-coach Byron Scott’s bench.
Fortunately, a late season surge somewhat salvaged Huertas’ year, and many Lakers fans are now open to the idea of bringing the crafty Brazilian back for an encore performance next season.