Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Canada, PG/SG, Class of 2017, Virginia Tech, 18.6
Strengths
-Excellent tools for a lead guard prospect at 6' 5.5 with a 6' 9 wingspan. On the light side (especially in the lower body) but has wide shoulders that should fill out nicely. Gained six pounds since Elite 24 in 2016.
-Versatile offensively - can operate on and off the ball thanks to his ability to play out of pick and roll and make spot up jumpers (43.3 3P%) with time and space. Streaky shooter but can make a pull up three if the defense goes under.
-Creative ball handler who uses his ambidexterity to change directions and attack going left or right. Uses his wiry frame to fit into tight spaces. Makes an effort to shift gears although he's not all that explosive or shifty with the ball.
-Although not all that explosive he uses his length to finish from different angles around the rim. Puts english on the ball when necessary. Comfortable right and left-handed finisher.
-Solid vision on the move. Can pass over the top in pick and roll or deliver the ball from different angles while on the move. Equally as comfortable passing with either hand.
-Good instincts defensively. Long arms. Will sit down in a stance and compete. Best defending lead guards right now, but could become a two-position defender with added strength.
-Professional approach. Although not overly vocal, he's a good teammate overall. Very articulate off the floor.
Weaknesses
-Nice frame but thin at this stage of his development, especially in the lower body. Needs to improve his ability to play through contact on both ends.
-Lacks a degree of physical toughness. Struggles around the rim vs length and size. Doesn't get to the free throw line at a high rate: 3.7 attempts per 40 minutes. Would benefit from adding a consistent floater.
-More smooth and fluid than explosive. Lacks an extra gear off of a live dribble. Relies on strides, craft and change of direction to get into the paint.
-Inconsistent shooter. Career 50% from the free throw line. Slow getting to his release. Needs time and space. Doesn't always finish th same. Shoots more of a set shot. Can improve his ability to create space off the bounce.
-Decent feel overall but still a bit raw as a decision maker. Tends to force the issue at times. Will drive into traffic without much of a plan. An improved pull up jumper should open up the floor for him.
-Can improve his physicality on the defensive end - dies on screens, better defending guards he can space defend. Not always going to use his body to contain penetration.
-Checks a few boxes but isn't quite great in one area.
-While he has good body language as a teammate he can become more vocal running the show
Outlook
Alexander-Walker had an up and down week in Portland in front of NBA scouts and executives. On one hand the Toronto native struggled to make shots consistently, wasn't able to create much separation against length and athleticism, had some issues playing through contact, and proved to be more of a combo guard than a pure point guard in terms of his decision making. With that said, Alexander-Walker's physical tools, sound overall feel for the game, potential as a jump shooter, ambidexterity, creativity as a finisher and flashes of vision make him a very intriguing long-term prospect, especially as his frame fills out. Alexander-Walker will have his toughness tested by Buzz Williams at Virginia Tech, where he'll be asked to play with defensive intensity and physicality, which should go a long way in his development. Alexander-Walker may need some time to develop on both ends but he certainly has upside as a versatile guard with NBA tools who can play on or off the ball.
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