Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Top 5 combo guards in 2018 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 13: Jerome Robinson #1 of the Boston College Eagles reacts after a basket in the second half during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center on February 13, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 13: Jerome Robinson #1 of the Boston College Eagles reacts after a basket in the second half during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center on February 13, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the quarterfinals round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 9, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the quarterfinals round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 9, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Age: 19 (7/12/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 180 pounds, 6’11.5″
Slash Line: .485/.404/.817
Season Averages: 33.7 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 3PM

Kentucky Wildcats star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the court vision and passing ability to be a point guard. Thus, one could realistically question why he’d be listed amongst the combo guards when his position could be defined at the next level.

A shot-creating guard with elite size and length for both the 1 and the 2, however, the New York Knicks could create a fascinating backcourt with he and Frank Ntilikina.

In contrast to the other prospects on this list, Gilgeous-Alexander is a combo guard based on versatility and not necessity. He stands at 6’6″ with a near 7’0″ wingspan, as well as a tight handle and the ability to both score and facilitate.

Gilgeous-Alexander will need to add significant muscle to his frame, but he has a high basketball IQ and the foundation to develop into one of the most skilled players in the NBA.

Gilgeous-Alexander has an underwhelming first step, inconsistent form on his jump shot, and a thin frame that will be exploited on defense. Yet, he managed to shoot .485/.404/.817, average 5.1 assists per game, and dominate the clutch for Kentucky.

That’s a direct result of his ability to pick his spots, play to his strengths, and mask his weaknesses as he works to address them.

Must Read: The Top 5 centers in the 2018 NBA Draft

If the New York Knicks believe in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s work ethic, he could be worth selecting in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft.

Home/Knicks Draft