Nets pick Alexander-Walker at No. 17, reportedly will be dealt to Pelicans

With the No. 17 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets selected Virginia Tech guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The pick will reportedly be traded to the New Orleans Pelicans via the Atlanta Hawks.

Alexander-Walker is the cousin of Los Angeles Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two were high school teammates in Tennessee after relocating from their native Canada.

Bio

NBA position: SG/PG
School: Virginia Tech
College experience: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 204 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Max vertical: N/A

Strengths

• Ability to seamlessly switch between playmaking and scoring gives him the tools to be a valued combo guard.
• Was one of the most effective pick-and-roll players in the ACC last season thanks to his footwork, speed, and finishing ability.
• Efficient, disciplined shooter either pulling up or off catches; shot 38.3 percent from deep in 67 collegiate games.

Weaknesses

• While his dimensions are ideal for an NBA guard, Alexander-Walker has a slight frame and needs to gain strength.
• Lacks elite explosiveness.