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NBA Draft: Is Rawle Alkins a solid 3-and-D wing candidate for the Bucks?

By Jordan Treske

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Rawle Alkins poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Rawle Alkins poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – FEBRUARY 15: (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – FEBRUARY 15: (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

What the experts say

(as of 6/7/18)

ESPN (Jonathan Givony): 43rd

The Ringer (Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau): 31st

Sports Illustrated (Jeremy Woo): 31st

Sporting News (Chris Stone): N/A

The Athletic (Sam Vecenie): N/A

The Stepien (Composite Rank): 31st, Tier 6

The Step Back (Brandon Kleen): 29th

Quotes:

Prefacing with reasons why Alkins’ play slipped throughout his sophomore season, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie summarized the areas that he needs to improve in and regain the defensive effort that makes him such an appealing 3-and-D wing:

"“Alkins tested the waters last season and decided to return to what was ultimately a tumultuous season in Tucson. He broke his right foot in September and didn’t return until about midseason. Upon re-entering the lineup, Alkins took a small step back from being a terrific role player in his freshman season. Much like the rest of Arizona’s team, he was bad defensively, really struggling to keep players in front of him. Offensively, he was just about the same scorer and distributor but turned the ball over at a higher clip. Wings are highly sought-after commodities, so Alkins will certainly get a chance at the NBA. But he needs to improve as a shooter, needs to prove that he can return to his freshman year level defensive effort, and he’ll need to avoid getting flagged once NBA teams look at how his foot injury healed.”"

Noting his edge, competitive desire and the shape Alkins has regained in the months since healing up from his foot injury, Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated ranked Alkins 35th on his most recent Big Board:

"“Alkins is a competitive, physical player who can do a little bit of everything on the wing, and has the type of strong body and explosive athleticism teams covet. His sophomore year was set back by a broken foot in September, and he’s begun to improve his body and return to peak shape. He can get to the rim when he has a step and play through contact. Alkins is known for playing hard, and if he can become a more consistent defender and shooter from distance, it’ll help his case as a prospect. Playing alongside a quality playmaker will help unlock more of his game, and his athletic profile and motor offer a good baseline for improvement.”"

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