Photo by Kevin C. Cox (Getty Images)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the second Kentucky Wildcat to go in Thursday night’s NBA Draft. Gilgeous-Alexander was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets. However, following the selection, he was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers took Michigan State forward Miles Bridges with the 12th pick and will send a package of Bridges with two second round picks to Charlotte in exchange for Gilgeous-Alexander.
The freshman point guard averaged 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 37 games for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Gilgeous-Alexander came on to the scene about mid-way through the season as injuries held Quade Green out for a few games. The 6’6 point guard took his opportunity and never looked back, leading his team to a SEC Championship win and the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament.
Looking at the Clippers’ depth chart, Gilgeous-Alexander should enter training camp with a legitimate chance at the starting job. Even as a 19-year old rookie, he’s superior to both Austin Rivers and Milos Teodosic on defense. His playmaking is also arguably just as good.
The best case scenario would be for Gilgeous-Alexander to win the starting job, with his “floor” being the sixth man off the bench.
Either way, the former Wildcat should see the hardwood quite often in Los Angeles.
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