Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades

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77. . Point Guard. Kentucky. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 11. player

The Los Angeles Clippers landed the No. 11 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. The Clippers flipped picks with the Hornets, sending two second-round picks to Charlotte to do so. With the No. 11 pick, the Clippers landed Kentucky point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

This was an excellent selection by Los Angeles. Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably the best pure point guard prospect in this year’s draft class. At 6’6” and a nearly 7-foot wingspan, Gilgeous-Alexander has great potential on both ends of the court.

Offensively, there aren’t many point guards that will be able to keep him from seeing the floor. He is an excellent floor general that sets up his teammates well and can knock down an open jump shot. Defensively is where Gilgeous-Alexander could really earn his keep.

Once he grows into his body more, he could legitimately defend three positions. In certain matchups, he may even be able to defend power forwards. That kind of versatility is not easy to find and will give the Clippers endless lineup opportunities.

With older point guards currently on the roster, Gilgeous-Alexander gives Los Angeles a legitimate building block in the backcourt.

Grade: B+

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