Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scouting Report

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Ball handler, 19, 6'6", 180 lbs)

Statistical Profile

Strengths

Gilgeous-Alexander has the best measurables for a lead guard in this class standing 6'6" with a 6'11.5" wingspan and 3% body fat. He has the most craft around the rim of the guard prospects in the Draft, utilizing elite body control, excellent balance and creative finishes. He is excellent at using his length to extend to the rim and has a wide range of options with the ball in his hands. He can hesitate, spin, crossover, eurostep, and stop on a dime in traffic that helps him get into a mid range pull up.

As a shooter, Gilgeous-Alexander did not take many threes, but his mechanics are superb and he was an outstanding free throw shooter. He flashed the ability to shoot off screens throughout the year and projects as an efficient long range shooter, although he must improve his volume over time.

As a passer, he has excellent vision due to his size and he can operate a ball screen as well as make skip passes to the corners. As the ball handler in pick-and-rolls, he finished in the 86th percentile on 218 possessions. His basketball IQ is very good and he is able to capitalize on this skill as a playmaker and on the defensive end.

Defensively, Gilgeous-Alexander is excellent on the ball. He uses his length to swallow smaller guards and is advanced at poking balls away or getting rip steals. Off the ball, he is an active defender, once again using his length to probe and disrupt passing lanes.

Weaknesses

Physically, Gilgeous-Alexander is rail thin and needs to put on weight in both his upper and lower body. His frame is similar to Frank Ntilikina’s, but Ntilikina was a full year younger entering the Draft. He’ll get bullied by stronger players early in his career and his length will not compensate for his physical disadvantages until he is able to add significant strength. As a defender, he also needs to improve as a communicator, as he tends to get lost on switches.

Offensively, Gilgeous-Alexander seems not to trust his jump shot. He relies on forward momentum from three and is poor as a spot up shooter (57th percentile). This may coincide with the weakness in his lower body and should improve over time. He is not a fluid step-back or pull-up shooter either. With his floor game, there are some other legitimate concerns. He had turnover issues early in the season which improved as conference play progressed, but question marks about his decision making exist. He lacks quick burst and may struggle to beat defenders with his handle, especially quick-twitch NBA athletes.

Summary

Gilgeous-Alexander is an intriguing prospect due to his size, length, feel, craft and finishing ability. He projects as a modern ball handler who can switch 1–3 at this stage in his career, potentially 1–4 if he is able to add significant strength. He is a very good passer and should be able to competently run an offense. However, there are questions about his frame, athleticism and burst as well as his shooting consistency. If he won’t be a team’s primary ball handler, he must prove that he can become a competent spot-up threat. This is well within his range of possibilities and likely will become a more available option for his game if he’s able to add power to his lower body. He has a lot of potential as a two-way lead guard or a two-way wing, and his ceiling will depend on his capability to improve his frame against NBA caliber athleticism and physicality.