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NBA Draft Profile: Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes sense at 12 or 13 for the Clips

By Nathan Jacobo

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats gestures during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats gestures during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Heading into the off-season, the LA Clippers currently own the 12th and 13th picks in the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft. One player to keep an eye on is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Many mock drafts have recently had the Clippers selecting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the 12th or 13th Pick and I can see why.

Strengths

Shai has a 6’6 frame to be able to match up against any elite point guard in the NBA today. He is a relentless finisher as he knows how to get to the rim and finish. He can defend guards and forward with his height and quickness.

He has a very solid offensive game as he can get by you with quickness and finish any acrobatic layup. His euro-step was unstoppable at Kentucky and he knows to blow by defenders.  He also shows flashes of being a great floor-general as he will always find the open man.

He is excellent when it comes to pick and roll’s as he will either drive to the hoop or use his height advantage to shoot a pull-up J. If he can hit a consistent 3-ball in the NBA then watch out.

Weaknesses

There really aren’t many weaknesses in Shai’s game, but like any rookie who enters the league, he will definitely need to put on some weight to be able to play against the world’s best.

Also when he is ball handling, he will need to adjust to the fast-pace that is the NBA and make quicker decisions with the ball which will not be a problem for him.

How He Can Fit In With The Clippers

If the Clippers do decide to draft Gilgeous-Alexander they can either start him from Day 1, or have him come off the bench and earn a starting role.

I would love to see him play alongside Lou Williams off the bench as they could be one of the league’s best bench backcourt.

He can also play alongside Patrick Beverley, Milos Teodosic, Austin Rivers, and basically any other guard in the rotation.

He can spread the floor as Kentucky liked getting him open looks from 3, plus he can be a playmaker and find Gallo or Tobias open on the wings.

Overall

He will be a solid contributor to any NBA team looking for a versatile combo-guard. Should he progress each year, he has the likes of being a James Harden caliber-type player in this league.

Overall, he is a solid prospect, a great ball-handler who knows how to finish around the rim, shoot at a high level, get steals and find the open man.

If he is still on the board at 12 or 13, I hope we can select him and have our point guard for future. If he isn’t on the board or we pass on him, I wish nothing but the best for his career.

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