Is Kira Lewis Jr.’s Speed Worth the Risk for the New Orleans Pelicans?
Kira Lewis Jr.’s Strengths
Kira Lewis Jr. can fly.
He might be the fastest player in the draft and possesses plus-athleticism, things that cannot be taught and are valuable to any team.
Lewis Jr. had some huge scoring efforts for Alabama this season, including 37 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds in a win over Anthony Edwards and Georgia.
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He backed that up with a triple double against Auburn in the very next game. Overall Lewis Jr. had 11 games with at least 20 points.
Lewis Jr. can fill out a stat sheet, averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. He was 3rd in the SEC in both steals and assists and made the All-Conference 1st team.
He is athletic enough to grab boards and projects as a guy who could be a plus-rebounder for his position.
In addition to his elite, coast-to-coast speed which will immediately place him among the fastest players in the NBA, Lewis Jr. is a solid finisher at the rim, has great handles and projects as a guy who will thrive in the pick-and-roll.
If Lewis Jr. continues to develop his floater, he could be nearly unstoppable in the pick-and-roll, as he has the speed to beat just about anyone off the dribble.
On offense he shows a lot of flashes Dennis Schroder, the speedster backup point guard for the Oklahoma Thunder who will be in the running for 6th Man of the Year this season.
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His dribble penetration pulls defenders away from their men, which leaves spot-up shooters alone and creates lanes.
There is a lot to like about Kira Lewis Jr.’s offensive game, especially as a change-of-pace backup whose primary job would be to come in the game, run the offense, penetrate and kick to open shooters.
Lewis Jr. is fast, can pass and rebound, but does have a few weaknesses.