It is looking like the Memphis Grizzlies will keep their pick in this year’s NBA Draft. They should consider selecting Nickeil Alexander-Walker with their pick.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ will likely have their first round pick in this year’s draft. They should consider Nickeil Alexander-Walker who is a playmaking, possibly undersized wing at 6’5″ but a skilled and truly all around shooting guard playing at Virginia Tech.
The 20-year-old Sophmore might be the most slept on prospect in this draft. Averaging roughly 18 points 4 assists 4 rebounds and 2 steals per game at a staggering 53% from the field including 42% from downtown and 79% from the charity stripe. He has done all that while playing in the ACC which is the best conference in college basketball.
For starters, though he is only 6’5″ but he has broad shoulders and a nice frame that is ready for the NBA at 210lbs. Deceptively explosive and quick, can finish and handle smoothly with both hands, which isn’t typical for a right-handed 20-year-old.
He is also very aggressive and physical but obviously super efficient which speaks volumes about his understanding and approach to the game. He has the ability to utilize his post game in the mid to low block on smaller guards. His ability to pass the ball is above average and he will also make the occasional flashy behind the back assist specifically to the baseline cutters.
He is a very reliant knockdown shooter who is active off the ball so he’s versatile which is evident with his crafty handles and four assists. Then with his physicality and endurance in averaging four rebounds while also leading the team in scoring all in extreme efficiency.
Tankathon.com has 20 categories of stats. Out of the 20, Walker has only 3 weaknesses. The average 1st rd prospect usually has around 8-10.
Alexander-Walkers’s assist to turnover ratio is essentially 2/1 but some are concerned that he averages 2.4 turnovers per game. They obviously don’t realize how much he does despite his turnover average; he is still a plus in win shares, defensive shares, and usage plus-minus.
This guy deserves to be talked about more as a top prospect. His two steals per game shows his defensive activity in a simple form but his defensive metrics are positive across the board. This may be the most under-scouted player in years and I don’t say things like that loosely.
He will be 21 years old during his rookie year which is a knock to some but it’s better to have someone who is ready to play. The Golden State Warriors core all spent multiple years in college so it’s better to be NBA ready rather than a year or two younger.
This kid is also a leader and shows the Alpha dog mentality so desperately missing from the current bunch. An NBA comparison of Walker’s game would have to be a Jimmy Butler.
Virginia Tech has been one of the best teams in the country and it’s mostly done on his back by any statistical/metric standard not to mention his size, skill, athleticism, production, efficiency, and mentality. He has a great team around him but he is the guy that makes them succesful.
That combination should go over well with a front office split on money ball eye test talent and prestige. In order for us to ever have a future, we’re gonna have to strike gold on some guys other teams slept on, and it starts with playmakers who not only excite the eye but also any analytics geek.
That’s the no brainer prospect you key in on and position yourself to draft no matter what happens with the protected pick. This is the type of perfect blend of proven veteran talent and yet young enough to have a nice ceiling.
When all of the stars align as they do for dark horses like this guy the teams who get them usually are already loaded because they think ahead of enough to end up in the same position again. Memphis can start building themselves a championship contender by drafting Nickeil Alexander-Walker out of Virginia Tech.