I. Offense

Pluses

Boasts excellent shot mechanics, especially in catch-and-shoot (C&S) situations. Possesses a true jump shot involving adequate lift where he hops into his motion, demonstrates nice rhythm, and shows minimal mechanical deviation from shot-to-shot. Minimal moving parts provide for a compact and well-balanced motion featuring a consistent follow-through. Involves a narrow, but consistently forward-facing base. Shows square shoulders with straight top-down posture and no involvement from his stabilizer (left). Release speed is quick with consistent ~0.55-0.60-second hoists from the pocket

Possesses an uncanny ability to rifle passes off the live dribble with his off-hand (left). Has demonstrated the ability to snap the ball to outside shooters during a hyper-quick dribble-drive sequence, and is starting to grow more comfortable in using his right to a similar capacity. Is also beginning to incorporate the occasional hook pass with the right. Utilizes jump-passes with either hand to propel the ball. Shows an effective up-and-under drop-off technique at the rim to exploit rim protection

A-tier speed catalyzes his ability to leak out in transition, spark the dribble-drive, and generate space with the live dribble. Is tremendously light on his feet. Legitimate first-step quickness with a top-tier ability to accelerate past the defense in steps 3-4. Starting to use a hop step in semi-transition leading into dribble-drive explosion. Shows terrific flexibility and strength in the foot/ankle region which 1) catalyzes his ability to efficiently accelerate from would-be compromised positions, and 2) allows for hard shifting and deceleration off-ball (also worth noting that Kira has demonstrated decent feel here)

Kira has shown promising flashes with his handle to suggest for unrealized self-creation potential. His crossover has shown great range of width and is executed with proper speed, and he is starting to incorporate some double-cross utility. Generally keeps the ball close and in control. Lefty inside-out dribble is fluid and convincing, and his spin-move shows great balance and speed. Demonstrates nice sell on the lefty hang dribble in particular. Kira has befuddled defenses on numerous occasions with a windmill crossover variation

Shows some positive indicators for potential to score on all three levels. In addition to plus-level mechanics and shot efficiencies (FT%, 3P%), Kira can drive both ways and finish with either hand; can elevate off of the wrong foot. Plus-level speed and length of stride featuring the use of deceleration in his euro-steps and step-throughs assists in shedding shadowing defenders. He displays particularly soft touch with the finger-roll. Sometimes utilizes mini-delays, false ball-positioning tactics and/or the rim’s presence to his advantage in evading shot blockers. Is starting to experiment a bit with sidesteps, step-backs, and off-dribble jumpers from deep

Minuses

In instances involving a slight backwards lean, Kira’s shot is much more prone to rimming short. Remains much more efficient when displaying an unbothered up-down motion to properly involve the lower body and stay square. Kira’s C&S numbers may be affected at the next level versus faster, longer defenses

Does not generate vertical pop to the degree you’d hope given quick-twitch abilities—Kira’s slashing sequences often gloss over the “load and release” portion as he is moving too fast horizontally to get the lift he is capable of. Many times is focused on playing around the defenders as opposed to above and through

Exhibits several shortcomings as a passer: advanced reads, accuracy, ball security, and manipulation. Acts as more of a reactive passer than a proactive one. Right hand has not generated quite the same velocity and live-dribble pass fluidity. Posturing with chest-passes and simple shovel passes can look more stiff than fluid. Kira has not demonstrated patience with pressure nor the ability to anticipate rotations and with such, is rushed into making non-impactful/sloppy passes or miss reads (skip pass a frequent culprit here). Pass-fakes are absent from his repertoire, bounce-passes are never accessed, he can get caught in the air with no options, and he semi-regularly attempts high-risk, low-reward passes

Despite a reliable handle, Kira struggles a fair amount with ball security. Too many of Kira’s drives are one-dimensional in terms of pathing and intent, and in these sequences, he does not properly position/cradle the ball to ensure protection. Frequently gets spooked by incoming bodies in the lane

As a primary initiator, Kira’s drives beg for more dynamism: he rarely involves pace-changes, pass- and shot-fakes, or multi-move dribble sequences. Aside from the occasional stiff-arm, Kira fails to use body positioning to shield off the defense. Could do much better to use elite quickness as leverage. He over-relies on the euro-step. Kira often plays around the defense and not through, taking inefficient routes involving high numbers of steps. Defensive pressure too often dictates his pace and decision-making, and he does not practice enough patience once he’s started his move. Never snakes the P&R and too infrequently exploits screen contact. True impact of first step potential is unrealized due to imperfect posture and angle—does not cut the defense out of the equation

Does not demonstrate adequate spacial awareness in regards to teammate and defender positioning (propensity for injury also worth considering, as this has led to banged bodies)

Scoring versatility may be limited: has shown only flashes of dribble-pull-up ability, never seen inside the 3-point line. The touch and timing with floater application could be improved (note: left foot sits forward leading into the hoist which may also offset his balance here). Does not employ tactics to draw free throws or get to the line at a desirable rate. Does not occupy the post

Not especially active on the offensive glass. Hasn’t shown advanced degrees of feel, physicality, or vertical pop here

Questions to Consider

Is it realistic for Kira to retain his jump shot mechanics if raising his point of release by 1-2 inches?

Pivot-involved play shows well. Does he have potential for eventual post play?

If Alabama provided more off-ball cutting options, where would Kira’s passing levels be at right now?

With more exposure to the game, can the 18-year-old Kira develop an advanced IQ when creating for himself and others?

As Kira grows more comfortable, can he employ a craftier and more assertive offensive approach?

II. Defense

Pluses

Kira moves his feet very effectively on the perimeter. This is backed by proper drive from the lead foot in the slide and by effectively transitioning to the turn-and-run (in part stemming from his balanced, rapid-fire hip-switching ability). Has the speed to recover on the rare occasion that he is beat

Reaction times portend well in regards to realizing defensive ceiling: occasionally snatches passes most players have no business getting, can rotate and close out with extreme haste, and track down loose boards. Will periodically wreck C&S attempts from unsuspecting opponents utilizing reaction time, length, and burst

Shows high-level anticipation and speed in disrupting the passing lane as an off-ball defender

Plus-level ability to get skinny, retain balance, and squeeze through small gaps while remaining competitive

Unique ability to retain and re-calibrate balance feeding from unique hamstring/hip-flexor/ankle bends allows Kira to recover from compromised situations (e.g. hard bite on a jab-step). Special capability to turn around a bad close-out by using the lead step as a pivot and enact a quick and efficient U-turn

Minuses

As an off-ball player, is a bit prone to ball-watching, particularly when occupying the weak side. Digs down on post players to ill effect by lacking enthusiasm and proper timing. Weak side rotations involving switches onto bigs and/or rim protection do not involve ample physicality nor earnest attempts at shot altering or loose-ball creation

Kira’s quickness, length, balance, and flexibility transect at a point allowing for would-be maximum confidence. Nonetheless, Kira’s on-ball style is as passive as can be: he never probes for the ball, nor throws out feints; contests are not earnest shot block attempts. His defense in transition lacks inspiration in particular, often featuring half-hearted standing contests from the side

Numerous records of Kira struggling to recognize incoming screens by positioning himself correctly. Hiccups involving a lack of foresight are exacerbated by his tendency to insert half-steps to prepare and re-calibrate himself

Likes to leak out early and has demonstrated this propensity in rather ill-fitting situations with the offense still running their sets

Doesn’t have length or strength to stand out at the next level. Can currently get pushed off his spots

Not especially active on the defensive glass. Regularly loses track of his man sans-boxing out. Hasn’t shown advanced degrees of feel, physicality, or vertical pop here

Questions to Consider

Is it in Kira’s DNA to become a more assertive defensive player, utilizing his physical tools?

How might he fare versus larger wings if thrust into a switch-dependent defensive system?

III. Statistical Profile

Courtesy of Basketball-Reference and Synergy Sports Technology:

Key notes from ’19-20:

Rather uninspiring assist to turnover ratio of 1.10 to 1

Getting to the line a mere 3.5 times per 40 minutes

Showing a decent steal rate at 1.9 per 40 (2.4% STL)

Free throw and 3-point efficiencies project for desirable 3P% going forward. Overall 2P-3P-FT percentages show good signs

Only 10 attempted runners/floaters to date (not pictured)

Converting 55.1% (27 for 49) on layups (not pictured)

C&S/spot-up PPP falls right in line with the eye test at 1.16, good for 83rd percentile

IV. Physical Profile & Miscellaneous

April 6, 2001 DOB (18.68 years)

Estimated 6’3.5″ height with a +4-inch wingspan differential

Estimated 37.0-37.5″ maximum vertical leap

Flexible lower body with particularly strong and elastic ankles allow for acceleration/deceleration from unique positions

Has an especially light profile at 165-170 pounds where his main advantages are produced via quickness disparities

Appears to take bad misses and losses pretty hard, showing emotional investment. Leadership implications present as he can be seen directing his teammates, calling off screens etc. despite his youth

Activation of “second gear” with his back leg driving momentum paired with a dipped shoulder and a ~parallel-to-the-floor chest, Kira can almost guarantee a blow-by

Kira shows a recurring habit of simultaneously throwing one foot forward and one foot backward to initiate his drives. He also is prone to dragging his hind leg in a myriad of situations including when he’s picked up his dribble. As both can constitute traveling violations, will Kira start to be penalized and second-guess his setups?

Victor Oladipo-esque hunchback posture surfaces in a variety of situations. May not be accessing full potential in gaining speed and/or providing ample core support

V. Archetypal Diagnosis

Offense: Secondary Ball-Handler

Defense: Two-Position

VI. Gradient Score vs. Same-Archetype Prospects

VII. Overall Outlook

Eight games into the ’19-20 season, there are strong signals that Kira’s overall profile manifests into an off-the-bench secondary initiator type at the next level, plausibly never reaching a net positive on either end. The main caveat here—other than his youth—is that Kira is a naturally passive player for a (current) primary initiating option, and with such, may not be showcasing his full-fledged abilities on a consistent basis. He’s also shown signs of growing comfort and development in the span of just a few games (see his passing in the second half of his performance vs Rhode Island, for example). Kira Lewis Jr.’s outlook probably warrants a late-mid to late first round selection in the upcoming draft, but given his physical tools and periodic displays, it would seem wise to keep an eye out for further developments in his game this season.