7. Kira Lewis Jr., guard, Alabama
A speed-demon lead guard with a well-rounded skill set, Kira Lewis Jr. has earned his spot in the lottery conversation. He’s a joy to watch offensively, jetting by ill-prepared defenders and pressuring the rim with unfettered ease. In the open court, he’s a marvel.
Lewis has the hallmarks of star NBA guards. He’s explosive off the bounce, and therefore difficult to contain one-on-one. He’s an intelligent passer who is plenty comfortable working out of the pick-and-roll. He’s a good, and still-improving 3-point shooter who can create his own looks. He is, to some degree, the total package.
Still, Lewis is not perfect. He settles too often for floaters, despite his electric first step and blazing speed. He will need to improve as a finisher to unlock the full benefits of his gifts. He could also stand to add weight. He’s listed at 6-foot-3, 165 pounds, which is unavoidably slight. Regardless, he’s one of the best guards in a guard-heavy draft.