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Los Angeles Clippers: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

By Aymin Bakr

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rookie of The Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Unlike most teams, the Clippers were able to secure two lottery picks this year and they selected fairly well with both. While Jerome Robinson will likely be a good scorer, it’s Gilgeous-Alexander that will be more beneficial initially for the Clippers, as he fills a dire need in the playmaking department.

Last season, Lou Williams led the team in assists at just 5.3 per game and that’s likely because he was the first option scorer the majority of the time. While Williams isn’t a bad playmaker, that’s not his specialty. Gilgeous-Alexander can come in and get enough experience at the point guard slot to really make an impact since the former Sixth Man of The Year will likely retain his role.

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The 6’6″ point guard will get the chance to run the offense with Williams likely coming off the bench, and he can beat out competition like Patrick Beverley and Milos Teodosic because they’re likely on their way out within the next year.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a long and mature point guard that can score, hit the 3-pointer when asked and set up teammates. While he likely doesn’t project to put up elite stats right off the bat, he’s certainly in the best position for his individual development.

With elite scorers like Lou Williams and Tobias Harris, and a solid down-low presence in Marcin Gortat, the rookie will have options at the guard, wing, and center slots and looks to make an immediate impact. Although NBA Summer League must always be taken with a grain of salt, he certainly did prove himself, averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 27.8 minutes per game.

While the 2018 draft class is seemingly loaded with talent, be on the watch for Gilgeous-Alexander as a dark horse ROY candidate.

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