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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE DAILY DEBATE
Which NBA team would Cliff Alexander fit best on?
OKLAHOMA CITY
The best team for Cliff Alexander would be the Oklahoma City Thunder for multiple reasons. First off, even if the Thunder are able to make the playoffs this season, they could have a draft pick in the late teens, giving them the possibility to select Alexander, who will likely go in the 15-25 range.
The biggest deal for Alexander is that although he may fall behind in the draft, he has valuable skills that can help any team right away, especially a team like the Thunder which is one move and a healthy roster away from a championship.
When the basketball world is surprised Russell Westbrook didn't get a triple-double, you know he is carrying the load for a depleted team.
Alexander would be a great fit for the Thunder with
his length, athleticism and rebounding skills. Alexander's ability to hold down the boards along with center Enes Kanter would allow them to push the ball in transition and grab second chance points more often. However, this might not be the conclusion one would draw by looking at his college stats. They don't give a completely fair judgment of Alexander's season because of playing time, but his per 40 numbers are very strong.
In the NBA, a young player like Alexander will need guidance. He's not yet ready to lead a bottom-feeding NBA team. The Thunder have a veteran locker room and two superstars in Kevin Durant and Westbrook. Guidance like this would give a player like Alexander the best chance to succeed quickly and be put into a role in which he can make an impact.
However, there are also opportunities for him to play. With recent injuries to Durant, Alexander can provide rest for the former MVP. And with his overall size, Alexander can move from small forward to power forward and either Dion Waiters or Anthony Morrow could play in a three-guard backcourt. Not
only does Alexander's ability to rebound allow the Thunder to have more fast guards on the court, he also serves
"IN THE NBA, A YOUNG PLAYER LIKE ALEXANDER WILL NEED GUIDANCE. HE'S NOT YET READY TO LEAD A BOTTOM-FEEDING NBAT TEAM."
as a strong lob option for Westbrook when in the pick and roll.
Westbrook and Alexander would make a great one-two punch with Alexander above the rim, and when Durant is fully healthy, this would be a team that would be even more of a title contender than they already are. Alexander's athleticism and strength would be a great addition to an already good team, and for that reason, the Thunder are the best fit for him.
Edited by Emma Seiwert
BOSTON
While there are a few situations that could allow him to showcase his talents, for Cliff Alexander, no greater opportunity exists than in the place former Jayhawk legend Paul Pterce once called home. Boston.
Right now, the Celtics really only have one player that would sit ahead of Alexander on the depth chart in Jared Sullinger. But as Sullinger is extremely injury prone, Alexander would likely be given an opportunity to start at various points in the year. However, to start the year, Alexander would be able to come off the bench, which would allow him to develop, playing for one of the league's best coaches in Brad Stevens.
struggled at times playing for an impatient Kansas coach Bill Self, who had little tolerance for mistakes.
One major benefit should come in the changed dynamic in the coach-player relationship, as Alexander
Stevens, on the other hand, is known for his laid-back demeanor, which should allow Alexander the ability to develop without too much pressure, which was an issue back in early February.
And looking at the team, the Celtics could provide Alexander with the opportunity to play meaningful minutes on a potential playoff team without facing the scrutiny of going to OKC or Cleveland. Additionally, he could altogether avoid teams like the Thunder, who have a log jam at the four and five positions.
After all, at Oklahoma City, Alexander would have to battle for minutes with established young standouts like Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter while still having to pry minutes away from players like Nick Collison, who has been a fixture of the team for a long time. Not to mention the fact the Thunder drafted a young forward in Mitch McGary one season ago.
And while it's important for Alexander to avoid a loaded team, he also would probably prefer to stay away from a team
like the Knicks or the Nets, which are completely devoid of talent at the four position.
The Celtics are the perfect median of almost every NBA situation Alexander could find himself in, and they're a team he should really want to end up on. The opportunity to play with an up-and-coming coach and franchise while avoiding a volatile situation
"THE CELTICS ARE THE PERFECT MEDIAN OF ALMOST EVERY NBA SITUATION ALEXANDER COULD FIND HIMSELF IN."
should bode well for the former No. 3-ranked high school recruit in the nation, according to ESPN.
it's also worth noting that if the draft were to start today, the Celtics would be picking 26th, as they'd receive the Clippers pick, which is right around the spot Alexander is projected to go.
Edited by Emma Seiwert
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