2018 NBA Mock Draft: The standings are set
93. . G. Kentucky. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 10. player
The draft’s biggest riser since the season started in November, Gilgeous-Alexander is being mocked all the way into the top ten now. His performance in the SEC and NCAA tournaments sealed the deal on what was a miraculous season, leading Kentucky to the Sweet 16 with a roster of only freshman, and doing so all as a four-star recruit is miraculous.
The crafty play-maker took control of the team around the first of the year and didn’t look back, averaging over 14 points and five assists per game in January. He dispelled Quade Green from the starting lineup and didn’t even adjust his game. Gilgeous-Alexander earned this hype. He is ready for the NBA.
To be successful, Gilgeous-Alexander will have to show his defensive value. With how many teams are putting like-sized guys all together on the court, longer defenders can switch and wreck havoc on offenses. Gilgeous-Alexander can help that. He also stole nearly 3 percent of passes available while he was on the court for the Wildcats this year. The freshman is, as much as it pains me to use this phrase, a winning player.
His fit next to Ben Simmons in a multi-handler offeense is exciting and different than what any contender can offer. The Sixers need creativity to keep their young team fresh and unique and compete for championships.