When Jalen Hood-Schifino was selected with the 17th overall choice in the 2023 NBA Draft, there were great expectations for him because the Los Angeles Lakers’ scouting department had a history for making excellent draft selections.

 

 

Hood-Schifino, who profiled as a large lead guard who could run the offense and create his own shots, had a great freshman season at Indiana. But, because he was buried on the bench behind the other guards on the team, Hood-Schifino’s rookie campaign was very disappointing.

 

Hood-Schifino appeared uneasy during his brief appearance, which caused his offensive style to falter. The strong play of other rookies who were picked after Hood-Schifino, such as Brandin Podziemski and Jaime Jaquez Jr., further complicated matters.

 

Hood-Schifino had a lumbar microdisectomy operation before he could establish himself in the league. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the procedure apparently involved cutting down a bulging disc, but the Lakers anticipate a full recovery this summer:

 

 

Hood-Schifino’s rookie season came to an unsatisfactory end, but at least he is expected to be healthy for the 2024–25 campaign. Hood–Schifino appeared to be improving during his stint in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, but he will now have to deal with his rehab assignment in the offseason.

 

Although Hood-Schifino still has a long way to go before he can be considered a bust, he has a lot of work ahead of him to establish his NBA eligibility. Since young players develop at different rates, Hood-Schifino might just require more playing time before he begins to have an effect on the game. Hood-Schifino could have to endure another season of development as things stand, but if he makes progress, he might end up in the starting lineup next year.