Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft: March is finally here

By Brendon Kleen

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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G. Kentucky. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 21. player. 29.

Gilgeous-Alexander would be a fun Spur. That’s it. That’s the logic for this pick.

Think about how many crafty, skilled players with questionable jump shots have come into the Spurs’ system and become different players entirely. Get Gilgeous-Alexander in a building with shooting coach Chip Engelland and leaders like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili around him, and I think he comes out the other end a legitimate NBA point guard.

Right now, I’m concerned with Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to create space for himself and his teammates driving to the hoop, a must for a primary initiator in the league today. He isn’t an explosive or devastating athlete — you won’t see him slamming Derrick Rose dunks any time soon. He relies heavily on herky-jerky dribble moves and a pull-up jumper for his offense, and though he’s been efficient, he won’t be at the next level if he plays that way.

For the freshman, it will be entirely about situation at the next level if he is going to take his game to its peak. The Spurs are a good situation for any young guard.