8 • Cleveland Cavaliers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

G • Kentucky • Age: 19.9

Gilgeous-Alexander's combination of floor and ceiling is intriguing for any organization in search of young talent. Trae Young and Collin Sexton have been the headliners of this year's point guard crop, but Gilgeous-Alexander has the tools and makeup to end up as the top lead guard in this draft. With long strides, pick-and-roll savvy, finesse around the rim, a strong feel for the game, two-way potential and impressive intangibles, the smooth Canadian is the type of versatile guard who fits perfectly in the modern NBA. -SCHMITZ

PLAYER RATINGS

Current Potential

PHYSICAL COMPS

Shaun Livingston (2004): Drafted No. 4 by LAC

Patrick McCaw (2016): Drafted No. 38 by MIL

Player Age HT WT Wingspan Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 19.2 6-6 182 7-0 Shaun Livingston 18.8 6-7½ 186 6-11 Patrick McCaw 20.5 6-6¾ 181 6-10

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Why he stands out

Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the most skilled finishers in the draft. He has the ability to leap off either foot and extend with either hand, using his stride length, footwork, touch, ambidexterity and 7-foot wingspan to neutralize shot-blockers in the paint. Full scouting video -SCHMITZ

INSIDE THE ROSTER

How he fits: As we saw with Jordan Clarkson's brutal playoff run and Cleveland's lack of overall shot creation outside of LeBron James, Cleveland is in dire need of a young ball handler, whether James returns to The Land or not. Although not a big-time scorer, Gilgeous-Alexander is talented enough to hand the keys to as the point guard of the future if LeBron bolts, yet versatile enough to coexist with James and add value with his length, feel, skill and instincts. Eighteen-year-old combo forward Kevin Knox should also receive serious consideration here. Although he's not short on question marks, if Cleveland were willing to take a swing, Robert Williams is the vertical spacer and rim protector the 2017-18 Cavs badly needed. -SCHMITZ

$4.1M

Starting Salary

1.2

PROJ. WARP (No. 20 overall)

Marks on the Cavs' offseason focus: "The future of LeBron James will hang over the Cavaliers leading up to July 1. Despite the uncertainty, the big offseason addition will likely come in the lottery. Cleveland will need to take the best available approach despite not knowing whether James will be part of the roster next season. Keep in mind that the rights to a player can be traded after the draft and leading up to free agency."

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