2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Jamaaliver]

2019 NBA Draft Profile: Nickeil Alexander-Walker



Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Height: 6-5
Weight: 204 lbs.
Wingspan: 6-9.5 (+4)
Standing Reach: 8-6


NBA Comparisons

“Probably won’t happen” comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (his cousin and former high school teammate; I don’t think he will have the versatility Gilgeous-Alexander possesses to be able to defend both guard positions)

“Possibly could happen” comparison: Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb (but better defensive instincts, more play-making skills), Delon Wright (but with more shooting upside)

— Good vision for a wing player, could develop into a secondary play-maker
— Moves without the ball, finds open space on the floor, gives up the ball and relocates very well
— Length shows on film, potential to be disruptive on the perimeter defensively
— Gets his hands on the ball, produces a lot of deflections
— Balanced jumper, does a nice job getting his body squared-away
— Very high release on his shot, something about it looks awkward (but it goes in)
— Seems like he lags a bit getting his shot off, not a quick release
— Plays under-control, easy pace
— Was utilized as a pick-and-roll ball-handler
— Looks ambidextrous at times, finishes with either hand

I don’t think Alexander-Walker has a future as a multi-positional guard. I just didn’t see him create enough separation off-the-dribble against opposing point guards. He’s a “2”, and that’s perfectly good enough for me.

Because Alexander-Walker is so versatile, I think his opportunity to help an NBA team could come sooner than others. That’s not to say that every rookie doesn’t go through a learning curve of sorts. All I’m saying is that the former Hokie can help a team defensively if that’s what is needed, he could potentially help a team space the floor, and he can help a team’s offense keep the ball moving. There’s room for guys like that; on some teams there’s room right now for a guy like that.

Orlando SB Nation

[Spud2nique]

Is it me or does it kinda feel like Reddish will land with WAS? Seems to fit what ... ever it is they've got going on up there.

Clear talent, questionable effort. The 'Zards way?

Interesting if we passed him up at 8. I love everything about him except his demeanor which I can’t ignore. I want a pitbull. Is he a chihuahua? Hell I’d take a chihuahua, he might be a poodle chihuahua’s fight like dirty dogs in the street! Lotta heart.

I don't want any kind of dog. Dogs eat their own poop. Dumb. Cats are worse.

Anyway, I heard notorious Duke apologist Chris Spatola on the NBARadio draft show. He spoke less than glowingly of Reddish's approach, attitude, work ethic, etc. The talent is there, the 'want-to' simply is not.

Could we coax it out of him? Sure, but do we want to spend time on it considering there could be comparable guys ready to step in now and work?

Legit questions. I could see him going to WAS and becoming the next Kelly WhOubre. *yawn*

Just give me Culver and Goga and I'm good.

I was cam and culver but cam first. I’m on the fence now. Attitude and desire is huge to me. If you don’t have it you might as well be a point guard that can’t shoot in the modern nba, you’re screwed. I want guys that eat, sleep and breathe basketball and have a chip on their shoulders.

Cam isn’t mad enough. Not that Culver is but Culver looks to be more disciplined and engaged.

I need more tape of Goga.

How bout Sekou at 8 and Goga at 10. That way you and Jamal can co-host a sac pool party with each of you wearing your perspective prospects speedo bathing suites with their faces on it...

I’ll be sitting over on the patchy grass... wondering how we missed out on Clarke...with a rib in my mouth.

[kg01]

Interesting if we passed him up at 8. I love everything about him except his demeanor which I can’t ignore. I want a pitbull. Is he a chihuahua? Hell I’d take a chihuahua, he might be a poodle chihuahua’s fight like dirty dogs in the street! Lotta heart.

I don't want any kind of dog. Dogs eat their own poop. Dumb. Cats are worse.

Anyway, I heard notorious Duke apologist Chris Spatola on the NBARadio draft show. He spoke less than glowingly of Reddish's approach, attitude, work ethic, etc. The talent is there, the 'want-to' simply is not.

Could we coax it out of him? Sure, but do we want to spend time on it considering there could be comparable guys ready to step in now and work?

Legit questions. I could see him going to WAS and becoming the next Kelly WhOubre. *yawn*

Just give me Culver and Goga and I'm good.

I was cam and culver but cam first. I’m on the fence now. Attitude and desire is huge to me. If you don’t have it you might as well be a point guard that can’t shoot in the modern nba, you’re screwed. I want guys that eat, sleep and breathe basketball and have a chip on their shoulders.

Cam isn’t mad enough. Not that Culver is but Culver looks to be more disciplined and engaged.

I need more tape of Goga.

How bout Sekou at 8 and Goga at 10. That way you and Jamal can co-host a sac pool party with each of you wearing your perspective prospects speedo bathing suites with their faces on it...

I’ll be sitting over on the patchy grass... wondering how we missed out on Clarke...with a rib in my mouth.

Yeah Reddish may have some Marvin Williams-itis going on which makes him a no-go for me at 8 or 10. Definitely going to be a useful pro but, as is the case with Hunter, I don't want "useful" to be the best thing I can say about my top10 pick. Dude could mess around and be the next .. who's that dude that SAC drafted out of Kansas ... was super talented but never amounted to anything ... I'm actually drawing a blank which basically tells you all you need to know about him.

I'm no longer lovin' Sekou that high either. If he's a Siakim-type ... uh, Siakim went like 27th. Gimme Sekou if we acquire another late(ish) 1st.

Goga is the real deal.

[Jamaaliver]

Yeah Reddish may have some Marvin Williams-itis going on which makes him a no-go for me at 8 or 10. Definitely going to be a useful pro but...

Dude could mess around and be the next .. who's that dude that SAC drafted out of Kansas ... was super talented but never amounted to anything ... I'm actually drawing a blank which basically tells you all you need to know about him.

You're thinking of Ben McLemore.

And that comparison between Ben and Cam Reddish has been mentioned a lot this draft season.
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[kg01]

Yeah Reddish may have some Marvin Williams-itis going on which makes him a no-go for me at 8 or 10. Definitely going to be a useful pro but...

Dude could mess around and be the next .. who's that dude that SAC drafted out of Kansas ... was super talented but never amounted to anything ... I'm actually drawing a blank which basically tells you all you need to know about him.

You're thinking of Ben McLemore.

And that comparison between Ben and Cam Reddish has been mentioned a lot this draft season.
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Thanks, that's the name. Same type of issues. No one able to understand why they weren't more productive in college.

[Spud2nique]

Yeah Reddish may have some Marvin Williams-itis going on which makes him a no-go for me at 8 or 10. Definitely going to be a useful pro but...

Dude could mess around and be the next .. who's that dude that SAC drafted out of Kansas ... was super talented but never amounted to anything ... I'm actually drawing a blank which basically tells you all you need to know about him.

You're thinking of Ben McLemore.

And that comparison between Ben and Cam Reddish has been mentioned a lot this draft season.
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Thanks, that's the name. Same type of issues. No one able to understand why they weren't more productive in college.

Ben Mac was deemed the next Ray Allen.

Ya I hear you but I still like the fit Cam would have with us. It’s almost picture perfect. Hunter is next but your right about a top 10 pick...we can’t go solid we gotta start swinging for the fences and this will be the last draft. No way we are in the lottery next year and I bet we end up with pick #19 in the 2020 draft.

If Goga is real let’s get him. I am skeptical but a lot of you like him a lot. Haze been whispering Bruno for about 6 months as well. I got Kabengele in a trade down scenario. I don’t want Kabengele ending up with the Celtics or the Spurs. I mean I like the Spurs and they are out west but that would just be a gift handed to them like so many others.

[Spud2nique]

Yeah Reddish may have some Marvin Williams-itis going on which makes him a no-go for me at 8 or 10. Definitely going to be a useful pro but...

Dude could mess around and be the next .. who's that dude that SAC drafted out of Kansas ... was super talented but never amounted to anything ... I'm actually drawing a blank which basically tells you all you need to know about him.

You're thinking of Ben McLemore.

And that comparison between Ben and Cam Reddish has been mentioned a lot this draft season.
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Thanks, that's the name. Same type of issues. No one able to understand why they weren't more productive in college.

I thought u meant Scot Pollard I remember him on the sac teams but not sure if they drafted him. I dunno why I forgot Benny McDonald’s.

[EazyRoc]

Bruno ain't going in the Lottery

Based on what ?

[King Ken]

Bruno ain't going in the Lottery

Based on what ?

Teams interests

[EazyRoc]

Bruno ain't going in the Lottery

Based on what ?

Teams interests

Oh ok. It’s pure speculation.

No team except for maybe NO and Mem are really going to tip their hand until their pick.

[Hawk88]

I've been watching Brandon Clarke for the past 3 months and I don't really know what the debate is about. Granted he doesn't shoot from the outside but he's an instinctive defender and offensive rebounder who has the ability to be a shut down defender. While it's be great to have him play the small 5 he may be more of a small power forward. The kid is so much fun to watch, great passer, moves to the open spot on offense, defends the paint not just his man.

Hawks shouldn't get cute and just take him at 8. The only think I don't like about Clarke is he will be very good from day 1, so it will greatly decrease our chances of the lottery next year. Watching Trae and Clarke would be really really fun. Clarke had more blocks than missed shots. Incredibly efficient player. His athleticism seems to fit right in with Collins.

I'm still thinking about who to take a 10. I'd like a guy who can spread the floor and shoot. Don't know who that is. I think Goga may be the player but not sure yet. Little got screwed going to UNC so he may be a top 5 guys that we might be able to get at 10.

Really don't want a project big. Why not skip developing a big and just sign one with all our money.

Last year I called the Hawks taking Doncic at #3, Heurter and #19 and Spellman at #30. Sure hope I am right about at Clarke at #8.

Hawk88

[CP War Hawks]

Clarke can't really shoot, dribble, or pass all too well. Every prospect that stands 6-5 barefoot have greater standing reach and wingspan than him except for Culver whos reach is only 8-4.

Maybe he shows promising sf combo skills during his workout with the Hawks, but he's almost 23. When you factor he has nearly 5 years on guys like Bazley and Sekou, I can't take him top 10.

[LunchBox21]

Jaxson might have a bit more range than we gave him credit for:

Don't fall for it, @jamallo. I don't know you but I know you're better than that.

#OpenGymAllStarrrrr

Meh. I feel you.

My bigger annoyance is that Jaxson's flashing solid signs of a mid range jump shot...in a league that completely devalues the mid-range jump shot.

Some math nerds have decided that hitting 12 foot jumpers is no longer valuable. Only dunks and 3-pointers are worth putting up.

(Despite Kawhi living on mid-range shots against Budenholzer's inflexible defense in the ECF)




NOTE: I've become enamored with Mfiondu Kabengele. If we can't flip #10 and Taurean for Wendell Carter Jr. (my first love), then I'm all for trading into the early 20s for the nephew of Mutombo.

That's not what analytics say. It's just that there aren't many players that can shoot midrange shots at a high enough level to be efficient.

[kg01]

Clarke can't really shoot, dribble, or pass all too well. Every prospect that stands 6-5 barefoot have greater standing reach and wingspan than him except for Culver whos reach is only 8-4.

Maybe he shows promising sf combo skills during his workout with the Hawks, but he's almost 23. When you factor he has nearly 5 years on guys like Bazley and Sekou, I can't take him top 10.

Agreed. Clarke is Matt Barnes all over again, only smaller. EzPass

[Spud2nique]

Clarke can't really shoot, dribble, or pass all too well. Every prospect that stands 6-5 barefoot have greater standing reach and wingspan than him except for Culver whos reach is only 8-4.

Maybe he shows promising sf combo skills during his workout with the Hawks, but he's almost 23. When you factor he has nearly 5 years on guys like Bazley and Sekou, I can't take him top 10.

Agreed. Clarke is Matt Barnes all over again, only smaller. EzPass

[Jamaaliver]

Well, this seals it for me.

It you can't be with the one you love...get a cheap knock off in a lesser draft:

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[Jamaaliver]

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[Spud2nique]

Well, this seals it for me.

It you can't be with the one you love...get a cheap knock off in a lesser draft:

Read on Twitter

[Jamaaliver]

That's a great picture:

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[King Ken]

That's a great picture:

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His body once he gets his adult weight will be insane. He is going to be a superstar. I wouldn't pass on him