NBA Draft 2020: Alabama star Kira Lewis Jr. chosen with No. 13 overall pick
By Adam Spencer
Published:
No one loves to play fast-paced basketball more than Alabama’s Kira Lewis Jr. In Nate Oats’ first year at the helm of the Alabama program last year, Lewis thrived.
He took a big step forward. While playing in 31 games, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest.
Now, he’ll go to a team that has a sudden vacancy at point guard. The New Orleans Pelicans selected Lewis with the No. 13 overall pick in the draft.
The Pelicans just traded longtime starting point guard Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks. Now, Lewis figures to step into that starting spot.
Lewis is a speedster in every way. Alongside Zion Williamson, expect Lewis to get out and run the court early and often. Williamson should be the beneficiary of plenty of easy lobs.
Lewis is only 19 years old, but has 2 years of college under his belt, as he entered Alabama as a 16-year-old.
Will Lewis make New Orleans fans quickly forget about Holiday? He has big shoes to fill, but under first-year New Orleans coach Stan Van Gundy, he has the potential to thrive.
If nothing else, Lewis adds plenty of speed to a young roster. The Pelicans should be ready to compete for a playoff spot this coming season.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
