Clipperholics
Fansided

LA Clippers Trade with Hornets for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

By Garrett Chorpenning

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander speaks with the media after being drafted eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander speaks with the media after being drafted eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The LA Clippers traded the 12th overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the 11th overall selection in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The LA Clippers traded the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Point Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Alexander was previously selected by the Hornets with the 11th overall pick.

In exchange for Alexander, the Clippers sent the Hornets the 12th overall pick, as well as two future second-round picks. LA selected Michigan State Forward Miles Bridges for the Hornets.

Alexander was considered by some to be the best point guard in the NBA Draft. As a freshman at Kentucky, he recorded averages of 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. In addition, he shot over 40% from three-point range on 1.5 attempts per game.

The 19-year-old is best as a playmaker and a versatile defender. His 5.1 assists per game rank high among other top prospects, and given his 6-6 frame 7-0 wingspan, Alexander is capable of defending multiple positions at the NBA level.

The LA Times’ Brad Turner spoke with Alexander after his selection, who said the following:

"“I’m playing for the team I want to play for. So this is good for me.”"

Alexander’s main weakness is his jump shot. He isn’t much of a scorer — his 14.4 points per game don’t compare to the class’ top point guards. To become a more complete player and a starting-caliber guard, he’ll need to work on that aspect of his game.

Related Story: Clippers Will Wait For LeBron's Decision

With a slew of guards already on the roster, expect the Clippers to make several moves this summer. We’ve heard that Milos Teodosic may be on his way out, and the team is expected to be active in the trade market this summer. Patrick Beverley is a valuable asset that could help secure the Clippers the wing they’ve been longing for.