Los Angeles Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looking to prove himself
The NBA regular season is just around the corner. It’s time to get to know the Los Angeles Clippers roster, specifically rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The preseason is under way and if you didn’t follow the moves made by the Los Angeles Clippers this last summer, you might be unfamiliar with some of the players. In this piece, you will get to know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Arrival and Background
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. The Clippers owned picks 12 and 13 and presumably wanted SGA, as they traded Miles Bridges (who was selected with the 12th pick) and two future second round picks for him.
SGA attended the University of Kentucky for one year before applying for the NBA Draft. At Kentucky, SGA and Kevin Knox led the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament. SGA led the Wildcats in assists at 5.1 per game and was the second leading scorer at 14.4 points per outing, just behind Knox’s 15.6.
As a point guard, SGA can also rebound, grabbing 4.1 per game, sixth highest of all 2017-2018 UK Wildcats. He is very long for a point guard at 6’6 tall and with a wingspan of 6’11. This length gives him the ability to guard multiple positions and will make it hard for opponents to drive past him.
Knowing what he did at Kentucky, let’s take a look at what his role in the NBA will be with the Los Angeles Clippers may be next season.