Shai Gilgeous Alexander Draft history began in 2018, when he was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before being immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. That moment marked the beginning of his rise from a promising rookie to an NBA MVP and champion.
What pick was Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander in the 2018 draft?
He was the 11th pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, chosen by Charlotte and traded to LA on draft night.
Who drafted Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander originally?
The Charlotte Hornets originally drafted him, but he was traded that same night to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander draft class: Who were the peers?
His 2018 draft class included talents like DeAndre Ayton (1st), Marvin Bagley III (2nd), and Trae Young (5th). Among these, Shai has arguably emerged as one of the standout stars.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander draft year: How it shaped his journey
Coming out of Kentucky (2017–18), Shai entered the 2018 draft regarded as an athletic combo guard with excellent playmaking upside.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander draft profile & scouting report
- Strengths: At 6′6″ with excellent ball‑handling, size, and court vision.
- Weaknesses: At draft time, questions remained around his 3-point consistency and shot volume.
- Scouting takeaway: A high-floor, two-way point guard with future All-Star potential.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rookie season
In his 2018–19 rookie season with LA Clippers:
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
- Averaged ~10.8 PPG and 3.3 APG.
- Showed flashes of elite slashing and defensive grit.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander draft team & early trades
- Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, traded to the Clippers on draft night.
- In July 2019, traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he became a franchise cornerstone.
Scouting report update: How draft-day projections panned out
Shai’s size and slashing have translated to:
- Multiple All-Star seasons (2023–25).
- All-NBA First Team honors.
- MVP in 2024–25.
- NBA Finals MVP and the championship in 2025.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander draft profile vs. today
- His 2018 profile predicted a two-way playmaker—and he delivered.
- Became MVP, Finals MVP, scoring champ, and franchise success story—fulfilling and exceeding projections.
What pick was Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander again?
Reiterating: he was the 11th overall pick in 2018, chosen by Charlotte and promptly traded to the Clippers.
Conclusion
Shai’s journey from the 11th pick in 2018 to 2025 MVP and NBA Champion is a testament to his work ethic and elite skill set. The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draft journey illustrates how a mid-first-round pick can evolve into a franchise-altering player.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What year was Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander drafted?
2018.
Which team drafted SGA, and where did he go first?
Charlotte Hornets drafted him 11th; traded to the Clippers the same night.
How was Shai’s rookie season?
He averaged ~10.8 PPG, 3.3 APG, and earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
What was included in Shai’s draft scouting report?
Strengths in size, slashing, and playmaking the main question was 3-point consistency.
How did the draft help shape Shai’s career?
Landing in Oklahoma City in 2019 gave him the platform to blossom into an MVP and champion.