What the experts say
ESPN [$] (Jonathan Givony): 25th
The Athletic [$] (Sam Vecenie): 23rd
Sports Illustrated (Jeremy Woo): 24th
Sporting News (Chris Stone): 23rd
Bleacher Report (Jonathan Wassermann): 13th
Quotes:
Placing him 24th on his most recent Big Board, Woo detailed why Lewis’ late season play has helped him rise in the eyes of all draft experts as well as scouts across the NBA:
"“Lewis has improved by leaps and bounds in his second year of college and doesn’t turn 19 until April, which coupled with blazing speed and improving feel make him one of the more intriguing risers in this draft class. He’s extremely thin, but compensates by being able to beat people to spots going downhill and being a competent finisher with both hands. While Lewis isn’t exactly a floor general in the sense of controlling pace and dictating play, he’s so fast and naturally effective in two-man situations that he may be able to succeed in spite of that. He has decent instincts defensively, shoots it pretty well, and there’s a clear degree of upside present with the way he’s evolved in recent weeks. Lewis has gained some traction of late, and the whole profile here points to attractive potential as a possible starting-caliber guard or high-level reserve down the line.”"
Along those same lines, Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation pointed to the upside as well as the athletic qualities that make Lewis such a tantalizing guard prospect in the first round:
"“Lewis started his career at Alabama as a 17-year-old freshman, making him the youngest sophomore in the country. He turned into one of the best players in the SEC this season, averaging 18.5 points per game and raising his numbers across the board from his freshman year. The 6’3 guard one of the fastest players in this class with the ball in his hands. He excels at putting pressure on the rim, even if he still struggles to finish over length. While not a natural playmaker, Lewis showed improved playmaking chops with the Tide this season.”"