Los Angeles Clippers: Complete 2018 offseason grades

PLAYA VISTA, CA - JUNE 25: Head Coach Doc Rivers Raft Picks Jerome Robinson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with Lawrence Frank look on during the Draft Press Conference at the Clippers Training Facility in Playa Vista, California on June 25, 2018 at Clippers Training Facility. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images. /

Drafting Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander

You would not be crazy if you proclaimed that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could end up as the best point guard from his draft class. In fact, with the way he played during NBA Summer League, you could be in the norm with that opinion.

On draft day, the Los Angeles Clippers decided to swap picks with the Charlotte Hornets. In order to nab Gilgeous-Alexander, the Clippers sent 12th overall pick (Miles Bridges) and two future second round pick to the Hornets. Second round picks can often be a throw at the dart board, so the Clippers may not have surrendered too much for their prized acquisition.

What does SGA bring to the table? He stands 6’6″ and owns a wingspan of 6’11.5″. The Kentucky product will see his length translate immediately to the NBA, as he will be used as a switchable defender. Offensively, Gilgeous-Alexander is as slippery a ball-handler as they come. He often finds himself at the line or creating for others off the pick-and-roll.

Now, back to that Summer League chatter. I was not the only one who noticed how talented SGA looked compared to his competition. Paolo Uggetti of The Ringer noticed it as well. After observing SGA, Uggetti wrote:

"“There’s something about Shai’s game that already feels destined for a bright future. For one, it’s well-rounded. Shai is averaging a cool 17 points per game, adding five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block per game. His vision is already advanced, and the Clippers have taken advantage of that by putting him in all different playmaking positions (including the post!).”"

It is early still, but once again it looks like Jerry West has proven himself an elite talent evaluator. Sending over two future second round picks for Gilgeous-Alexander will be worth it, especially when considering he was not only the best player available, but possessed one of the highest two-way ceilings as well.

Grade: A

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