On Saturday night, Rawle Alkins, Allonzo Trier, and DeAndre Ayton announced they will not be returning for the 2018-19 college season. Alkins had a great draft combine performance in May 2017, but ultimately decided to return for his sophomore season. After missing the start of the season due to a foot injury, Alkins finished the 2017-18 regular season with a statline of 13.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 2.6 TOPG on 44/37.7/74 splits in 19 games.
Scouting report of Rawle Alkins:
Height/Weight: 6’3.75/223
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’8.75/ 8’3
Hand size: 10″
Position: SG
College/ country: Arizona
Tools: Defense, slashing
Pros:
- Good rebounder for position
- Strong NBA body
- Excellent slasher
- Outstanding defender- strong on closeouts
- Can run a little bit of the pick and pop
- Likes the drive and kick
- High motor
- Excellent vertical
- Versatile on offense- may be able to play any of the 1, 2, or 3
- Plays bigger than his size
Cons:
- Jumper has room to improve- low release point
- Slightly undersized as a wing
- Good, but not great ball handling
- Not overly quick with the ball
- Will have to adapt playstyle- bullies guards with strength, won’t work as easily in NBA
Overall: Alkins is versatile player on both ends of the floor. He can serve as a secondary ball handler in any lineup, and his versatility should raise both his floor and his immediate impact in the league. I expect Alkins to be playing quality rotational minutes right away in the NBA. His ceiling should be either a 6th Man of the Year caliber player to a starter on a playoff team. Like most wings and shooting guards, his jump shot will determine his success in the league. He has a low release point, which will likely hurt against NBA length. Alkins must continue to improve his ball handling and tweak his jump shot mechanics.
NBA Comparison: 2013-14 Alec Burks
Projected draft range: Late first round- 2nd round
Fit with the Mavericks:
Alkins would be a great addition the Mavericks due to his versatility. Rick Carlisle easily utilizes guys that can play multiple positions and handle the ball. Since Alkins plays bigger than his size and due to his length, he could easily play the 3 for the Mavericks in many lineups. The Mavericks need wing depth and athleticism, and Alkins would be part of a solution to those needs. If Alkins is available with the Mavericks’ second round pick, he would be a great player to target, barring the Mavericks taking a similar player with their first round pick.
