The Los Angeles Clippers drafted a gem in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 19 year old is looking like the best point guard from this year’s NBA Draft.
After just four Summer League games in the NBA, I’m ready to overreact. The Los Angeles Clippers’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best point guard from this year’s NBA Draft. (Doncic is totally a shooting guard anyway!)
The 6 foot 6 inch point guard already had the physical tools available to him prior to coming into the league. His height combined with his nearly 7 foot wingspan make him a nightmare match-up on both ends of the court. In his four appearances, he appears to understand his physical capabilities and how to use his length to his advantage.
On the defensive end, he’s grabbing 2.3 steals per game, which can in part be attributed to his length. Most of his scoring attempts have come at the rim which is a direct benefit of his size advantage against other point guards. He might not be the same type of shooter as say Trae Young, but through these four games he has been able to score on 46% of his shot attempts. His shot does seem to be coming along.
Take a look at his 17 point game yesterday against the Washington Wizards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes for 17 PTS, 6 AST to help lead the @LAClippers to the next round of the @NBASummerLeague playoffs!#NBASummer pic.twitter.com/ZoYUurhFuM
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2018
By my count, there are two made jumpers in there. One is right inside the free throw line while the other is a three-pointer. The shot form isn’t pure, but seems like it can be worked with. Shai recognizes the combination of his length with his jump-shot’s deficiencies and is able to score in the paint. This might work in Summer League, but come regular season, teams will likely give him more space and limit his driving ability.
That is a fixable problem though and doesn’t keep him from being labeled the best point guard in the draft.
Shai’s court vision and feel for the game at the age of 20 (as of today!) is extremely impressive. You can tell his head is always up and that he wants to make the right play.
Everything is in place for him to be the best point guard of the draft. We aren’t the only ones who think so.
Clippers got a good one with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Has all the ingredients to be the best PG from the 2018 draft class (excluding Doncic). Tools, touch, almost always makes the right play, high intangibles. Still shocked he went outside the top 10. pic.twitter.com/aLJULbhLea
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) July 7, 2018
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hooped tonight. Should've had 3-4 more assists if guys were hitting shots/finishing at the rim, but that's okay.
— Steven Barnhart (@HWHoopsCentral) July 9, 2018
He's undeniably the best PG in the 2018 Draft. I don't need to hear any other suggestions.
Even if he doesn’t truly end up as the best PG in the Draft, Shai still looks extremely promising. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Clippers made a smart move in getting him and that he will be a solid part of the future.
Get ready Clippers fans. We got a good one.