Virginia Tech had a really nice season this year, finishing the year as the 16th ranked team in the AP Poll. The Hokies had a nice little run in the tournament as a four-seed, taking down their 13-seed opponent in the first round and 12-seed Liberty in the second before running into Duke. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was a big part of the team’s success this year.
The Orlando Magic are hoping to find a guard that can score the ball in the draft and at this point in this particular mock, Alexander-Walker is likely the best option for the kind of player the team would want. The Magic do not have an elite point guard by any means, but D.J. Augustin had a resurgence in his career this last year and could be back and ready to play next to Nickeil.
Alexander-Walker is not a guy that needs the ball in his hands at all times. He is a pure shooter with above average ability to get to the rim, so his best offense comes when someone can get him the ball with a little daylight around him. He has shot the three ball at over 38% in his two years at Va Tech.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is not the biggest guy on the court and could get bullied a little bit by bigger, more athletic guards in the league. If he doesn’t find his confidence early on, it could stunt his growth a little bit, so it will be extra important for his team to put him in a situation where he can succeed right away.
Player Comparison: Jordan Clarkson
Clarkson is a magnificent scorer when he gets the opportunity to do so. He is a good shooter who can attack the rim and find small openings on the offensive end, which is exactly what it looks like will be Alexander-Walker’s strengths.
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