Hoops Habit
Fansided

2018 NBA Draft: 5 potential first round steals

By Bobby Friedman

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
(Photo by Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG — Los Angeles Clippers (No. 11)

While this might not be the most popular take, it remains true that the Los Angeles Clippers have a hazy offseason outlook at best. Once again, when opportunity presents itself, and Kentucky’s NBA factory is at play, there is a high probability that a player can thrive. In this case, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have a ton of options of players to pass to and pad his assists in his rookie season.

The opportunity part comes in when you look at the directionless Clippers, who despite boasting some great established NBA talents, are truly in a losing battle against the likes of the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets.

There is a great chance that with Tobias Harris’ expiring contract, teams pounding at the door for DeAndre Jordan trades, and a slew of injury concerns to guys like Patrick Beverly and Avery Bradley, the 6’6” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be handed the reins sooner than later.

He has a 7’0″ wingspan and is a really smart point guard. With his size and savvy, he can become an impactful point guard almost immediately depending on how free agency shakes out for the Clippers.