No. 2: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
When you’re selected with the 11th overall pick in an NBA Draft, especially one as deep as this summer’s, your expectations are going to be high. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s are certainly so.
Maybe it’s because the Clippers haven’t had such a high pick in so long, maybe it’s because Gilgeous-Alexander has been so impressive. Either way, he’s looked the part of a real star so far this season, and he’s only getting better.
The 20-year-old is averaging 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in just under 28 minutes per game this season with the LA Clippers, though it isn’t always the box score that makes Gilgeous-Alexander look so impressive. More often than not, he makes use of his length on both ends of the floor to make highlight plays. Whether it be a scoop layup around a seven-foot center or a blocked look inside, he knows too well how to use his tools to his advantage.
More importantly than his own personal stock, though, is how well the Clippers are playing when he’s on the floor. And lucky for us all, he’s done an incredible job leading LA to wins.
Since becoming a starter in early November, the Clippers have gone 11-3, with some big wins over the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Portland Trail Blazers.
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One of the biggest concerns among rookies is always adjustment, which is a legitimate thing — it’s a big change to play 30 to 40 games in college and then jump up to the NBA’s 82. Games are a lot closer together, too. Even in the NCAA Tournament, teams rarely, if ever, play back-to-backs.
Shai, though, is yet to look like that’s an issue for him. He’s played in each of LA’s first 23 games, logged a career-high 39 minutes against Milwaukee, and rarely has an off night.
So long as he continues to stay poised and mature, there’s no reason to believe why Gilgeous-Alexander won’t end up on the All-Rookie Team come season’s end. And there’s plenty of surprise factor left in the tank for this campaign.