Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's basketball journey finds a new chapter and it will begin in Los Angeles via Charlotte.
Gilgeous-Alexander was taken with the 11th pick in Thursday's NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets but a draft day trade will see him eventually end up in Los Angeles with the Clippers ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Clippers will send the 12th pick and two second-round picks to Hornets for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, league sources said. https://t.co/IfMknfp5Hm
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
The Canadian joins the 42-40 Clippers in hopes of helping a backcourt that already features Patrick Beverly, Austin Rivers and former Raptor Lou Williams.
"It's a great feeling honestly, and being able to play in the NBA is a blessing that not many kids get to experience," Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN about being drafted.
The crew reacts to reports that the @hornetshave agreed to trade draft rights of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to @LAClippers. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/DwoeAM79GM
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 22, 2018
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 37 games under coach John Calipari at the University of Kentucky.
Gilgeous-Alexander's first taste of NBA action is expected to be at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The Clippers' schedule will begin on Friday, July 6 when they take on the Golden State Warriors at 11:30 p.m. ET.