Since he was drafted last June, countless people around the NBA have taken note of what the Clippers saw in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The 20-year-old point guard is special. His inclusion in the MTN DEW ICE Rising Stars Game is the latest indication that he is meeting – and perhaps even exceeding – those expectations.
Through 59 games, the Toronto native has put himself in impressive company; only Larry Bird and Kyrie Irving have matched Gilgeous-Alexander’s production as a rookie in terms of points (10.1), rebounds (2.7), assists (3.0) and shooting splits (46.8% FG, 33.0% 3FG, 80.6% FT).
The Unheralded Young Star
As part of a talented 2018 draft class, Gilgeous-Alexander has found a way to stand out among top picks like DeAndre Ayton, Luka Donu010diu0107, and Trae Young—some of whom have gaudier raw “counting stats.