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On the Rise: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Only 19, at 6'6", could Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be the next dominant combo guard? 

Two-way superstar. Leader. Creator for himself and his teammates. All as a freshman.

The NBA Draft is 101 days away and so here is your newest installment of On the Rise. Today we'll be analyzing the significantly under appreciated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as he poses to be the next great combo guard in the NBA. The young breakout star has been one of the brightest points of Kentucky's below average season and has proved that freshmen can not only produce at a high level, but can also lead just as well as any senior captain. He has the tools, skills, and length to become a two-way sensation in the NBA, and to produce at a strong level even if he does not reach his high ceiling. While he might be considered for a lottery selection already, I'm here to argue the legitimacy of a top 10 bid for this young buck.

Overview:

Weight:  180 lb 

Height: 6'6"

Position: G

From: Kentucky

Birthday: 7/12/1998

Wingspan: 7'0"

Strengths:

  • Excels at creating midrange jumpshots for himself off the dribble

  • Fluid athlete, glides across the floor from end to end

  • While only getting to the line an average amount, 4.2 FTA, proficient free throw shooter at 80.4% 

  • Possesses a developed jumpshot out to deep mid range, especially off the dribble, and even with a hand in his face

  • Elite size and length bundled with deceptive explosiveness and fluid motion; a dual end threat with frame alone

  • While only racking up 1.6 steals per game, cares and tries harder than most on defense, aggressively commits to man

  • Capitalizes on fast break attempts caused by length and effort

  • Incredibly mature as a freshman, becoming Kentucky's undeniable leader

  • High work ethic coupled with a natural feel for the game 

  • Underrated three point shooter, nailing 38% of his shots from long rage

Weakness:

  • Can get ahead of himself and in his own head at times, excels when he lets the game come to him

  • Neither a true point guard, nor a true shooting guard, although this doesn't pose as much of a problem as it would have ten years ago

  • A bit timid outside the arc, only shooting 1.8 3 pointers per 40 minutes 

  • While he's proven to be a capable playmaker with 5.1 APG, needs to improve on his vision and awareness of teammates to become an elite playmaker

Pro Comparisons:

Ceiling: Anfernee Hardaway/ Michael Ray Richardson

Floor: Shaun Livingston

While a ceiling of Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, one of the most unique and unstoppable guards in his prime, might seem ambitious, Gilgeous-Alexander has shattered all expectations thus far. He went from the 35th best prospect on the ESPN 100; an expectedly raw player who would get no chances this year and would come off the bench, to a potential lottery pick,  a proven leader, scorer, and a baller to the very roots of the word. Similarly to Hardaway, he has elite size and length, bundled with explosive athleticism and a smooth jay to form an elite scoring guard that can create unlike any other and can produce an unmatched level of play on both ends. If he doesn't realize his full potential, that'll be because he doesn't open his floor vision and because he stays passive from behind the arc. But even without these traits, he'll be far more than a shell of a player, as an elite scorer that can score well from up to 18 feet out, and one that can nail free throws, produce in the clutch, create for himself and others, and put the clamps on his opponents. You know who sounds just like that? Shaun Livingston. Similarly to Penny Hardaway, Livingston didn't get to reach his full potential due to a series of injuries, but he still has carved out a 14 year career doing just what Gilgeous-Alexander excels at.

Ideal Fit(s):

Charlotte Hornets:

Picture this: Kemba Walker and Nic Batum having a consistently competent backup that can score and create. Now picture this: this backup isn't just competent but has a sky high potential, can provide bench leadership even at a young age, can produce on both ends of the court, and can provide a scoring spark off the bench, all while pushing the pace just like the 10th fastest offense in the league likes. While this might limit Gilgeous-Alexander's immediate development and some might argue the Hornets need a forward more, the guard positions are the two shallowest positions on the team and current backup Michael Carter-Williams is averaging 16.5 MPG, enough to develop comfortably. 

Washington Wizards:

I'm going to have a bone to pick with about 19 teams if the NBA lets this phenom drop to number 20, but if he does then boy would the Wizards be lucky. The case is simple- the Wizards' backup point guard situation is solid, with Tomas Satoransky filling in nicely behind John Wall, however Washington NEEDS a backup SG, Jodie Meeks just isn't going to cut it anymore. This move would also serve the needs of Gilgeous-Alexander, as he could gravitate towards a more scoring-oriented playing style and serve as a secondary playmaker to blossom into an elite two-way player. 

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