NBA Draft Scouting Report: Arizona's KJ Lewis
KJ Lewis
Guard | Arizona
Height: 6'4” | Weight: 205 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 19.88
Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
Lewis is known for being a strong, physical guard that can get it done on both ends. Despite the Arizona freshman still being just 19 years old, he already has a frame that is ready for the NBA level.
What’s interesting about Lewis is just how much he’s able to do to impact winning. While he’s best suited as an off-ball guard or undersized wing, he also has passing upside. The 6-foot-4 guard isn’t the best passer on the Wildcats by any means, but has proven to be a very respectable connector at times. He doesn’t have elite feel or possess true point guard awareness, but is a good complimentary passer. He will need to limit his turnovers this season if he’s going to increase his draft stock.
Given his role, Lewis’ stats overall don’t jump off the page. With that in mind, he still does enough in limited action that allows talent evaluators to see just how good he could be at the next level. He isn’t a primary scorer on this roster, but has been quite effective on the offensive end on limited shots.
He needs to prove he is a better 3-point shooter on higher volume, but has been very good finisher and free throw shooter. As a strong straight-line driver that can power his way through the lane, Lewis is able to overpower defenders. If the 3-point shot comes around and he gets more shot attempts, he could really start to emerge. The mechanics aren’t perfect, but Lewis generally takes smart shots and doesn’t force things.
On the defensive end, Lewis knows how to leverage his body to be disruptive. He’s also very athletic, which has allowed him to generate a significant number of steals and blocks relative to his minutes. He has the tools to be a real defensive playmaker one day in the NBA.
Lewis is a former four-star recruit that played at Duncanville in the Dallas, TX area alongside now G League Ignite prospect Ron Holland. One of the more underrated freshman in this class, don’t be surprised if Lewis ends up being a riser closer to the draft.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
2024 Big Board
Want to know more about other potential 2024 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
For a free account and access to Cerebro Sports, the largest Basketball Player Database in the world, sign up here.