Armando Bacot NBA Draft 2024: 5 landing spots for North Carolina forward ft. LA Lakers
Armando Bacot has been a reliable contributor for North Carolina from 2019-2024. The six-foot-11 big man averaged a double-double of 13.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in 169 games in five seasons with the Tar Heels.
Bacot has been the pillar of UNC's defense during his tenure and helped the team make the 2022 national championship game. Last season, he tallied 14.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.5 apg and 1.5 bpg in 37 games for North Carolina, who lost to Alabama in the Sweet 16.
The big man exhausted his five years of playing eligibility and set his sights on the NBA. However, mock drafts have buried him outside the top-60 despite his tremendous upside on defense. Only the LA Lakers have shown interest in Bacot, inviting him to work out with them.
He will try to prove the mock drafts wrong in ditching him on their lists as he aims to crack the lineup of an NBA team this season. Here are the potential landing spots for Bacot in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Five potential landing spots for Armando Bacot in the 2024 NBA Draft
#1 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers need a big man who can serve as backup to Anthony Davis and Armando Bacot fits the role.
Although Bacot lacks the athleticism and scoring skills of Davis, the center/forward could provide the needed defensive rebounds and blocks, as he's a solid post defender who can man the inside lane and challenge some layups.
#2 Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards lack a center who could lead the post defense and secure important rebounds in crucial situations.
Armando Bacot fits the need of the Wizards who are likely to continue their rebuilding phase this year. If picked by the Wizards, Bacot could provide a steady 5.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in his first year of action.
#3 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are also rebuilding its core, so Bacot could be an interesting piece on their roster if he gets drafted by the only Canadian squad in the NBA.
Bacot could provide a sturdy foundation up front and deliver the needed boost in terms of energy and rebounding.
#4 New Orleans Pelicans
Armando Bacot could serve as a backup for veteran starting center Jonas Valanciunas.
Bacot could learn a lot from the Lithuanian center in terms of manning the post on both sides of the court. He could appear in at least 15-20 minutes for the Pelicans to give Valanciunas a respite at the center spot.
#5 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is another team that could secure Armando Bacot's services as a backup for Bam Adebayo.
Bam Adebayo works like a horse on the post for the Heat, so acquiring Bacot could help the star big man get the needed rest to stay fresh for the postseason. The six-foot-11 center/forward could play 18-20 minutes for the Heat and work together with Adebayo in big man lineups the Heat could employ.