2018 NBA Mock Draft: The standings are set
. G/F. Arizona. Rawle Alkins. 26. player. 93
Someone on Twitter told me this week that the idea of Alkins is better than what he actually is, and while I think that starts to rip at the seams the very nature of grading and evaluating prospects, it also seems a very unimpressive argument against 3-and-D types specifically.
It’s tough to remember a single 3-and-D guy who leapt out and drew with a stencil what their role would be in the NBA as college players. It’s part of what makes Mikal Bridges so special in this draft, but also what makes Alkins just as enticing as others, despite the fact that he has real flaws at this point — ones he may never eliminate completely from his game.
He had more turnovers than assists for Arizona this season, highlighting his concerning ball-handling troubles in a tertiary role. If he was unable to make plays for his teammates at school, it severely limits how one can project his role in the NBA. That said, a low-usage role playing 20ish minutes per game and doing his best Tony Allen impression is how Alkins will provide value.
As they age toward championship pedigree, that’s a player who will be extremely valuable to Philadelphia.