Virginia Tech Basketball: 2019 NBA Draft profile of Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Weaknesses

One of the biggest aspects of Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s game that needs to improve is his strength, especially when it comes to guarding bigger players at the next level. He’ll guard primarily guards and wings but given the evolution of the game and how defense is played, it will do him some good to add some bulk to his 205-pound frame.

NAW showed a competitive edge and a willingness to guard on defense at Virginia Tech.  At the NBA level, there’s a higher level of physicality that comes with the game. He has the potential to become a quality 3-and-D prospect with his 6-foot-9 wingspan.

He’ll need to show more consistency in big moments as well. He shot 43.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the field against opponents ranked in the Top 25 in 2018-19.

There’s no doubt NAW is a first-round talent in this year’s NBA Draft class and showing more of his development as a physically imposing defending would do him some good in helping his positioning.