"Depth is really important, athleticism and youth.
We have a lot of components of that on our roster, but we need to add to it," Pelinka stated.
The executive highlighted recent late-draft successes across the league as an analytical blueprint for the front office.
"One of the players that they had who played really well, Ajay Mitchell, they got in the second round.
So there’s ways to add to your roster if you commit to doing the hard work and commit to the process of adding the right pieces.
… We’ll be doing that through the draft and free agency and through trades.
We’ve gotta find a way to have a roster that will compete with any team in the NBA.
That’s what we do here," Pelinka concluded.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks noted that Bennett's vast collegiate experience provides unique scouting advantages for the Lakers late in the first round.
"I think where Tony comes into play, not just with the draft, is having coached a lot of these players that are in the NBA right now," remarked Marks.
Marks suggested that identifying hidden talent becomes critical when selecting in the lower portion of the opening round.
"I do think there’s some strength to that from the scouting standpoint.
From where they’re picking, certainly in the 20s, I think there’s more value because you’re trying to look for an under-the-radar type player," Marks said.
The financial realities of the modern NBA collective bargaining agreement have shifted how teams view traditional salary cap space compared to prior decades.
