Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 41 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Ty Delbridge
3. Rawle Alkins
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 217 lbs
- Age: 20
- Position: SG
Just by looking at Rawle Alkins, you know this guy is built for the NBA. He is a 6’4” guard with a 6’8” wingspan and a thick frame. He hustles on both ends of the floor, can handle the ball, shoot, is smart playing off the ball and will defend aggressively.
Last season at Arizona, Alkins averaged 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 31.4 minutes per game while shooting 43.2 from the field and 35.9 percent from the 3-point line. The Ringer labeled him as an “energetic, athletic, and burly wing who projects as a versatile defender and spot-up shooter.” Those are the traits NBA teams want.
The Magic could use a scrappy wing player like Alkins. He would be an excellent fit playing off-ball next to Young or whoever their point guard is. Alkins would also take the pressure off of the other guards on the defensive end. His hustle and hard work are what a young Magic team needs in their practices and games.
His shooting, defense and basketball IQ will make him a solid player in the NBA right away. He reminds of guys like Lance Stephenson, Eric Bledsoe and Avery Bradley. All three of those guards are smaller, but they’re strong and have carved out good careers in the league.