NBA Draft Profile: Scottie Lewis

The 2020-21 regular season is in the books for the Trail Blazers and the 2021 NBA Draft is quickly approaching. For the first time since 2016, the Blazers are set to enter draft night without a selection. However, that doesn’t mean that President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey will sit on the sidelines during the process.

Today’s profile looks at 21-year-old wing Scottie Lewis. During his time at Florida, Lewis made a name for himself with his elite athleticism.

Scottie Lewis

• Height: 6’5”
• WT: 187
• Wingspan: 7’0”
• Shooting Hand: Right
• Position: G/F
• Age: 21
• Projected draft range: 55-Undrafted

2020-21 Statistics

• PTS: 7.9 | Per 40: 12.3
• REB: 3.1 | Per 40: 4.8
• BLK: 1.0 | Per 40: 1.6
• STL: 1.6 | Per 40: 2.5
• FG%: 44.5
• 3P%: 31.8
• FT%: 67.3

Strengths

Lewis is a next-level athlete with stellar physical measurements. Buoyed by a plethora of quick-twitch muscles and a seven-foot wingspan, Lewis is an absolute menace on the defensive end. Using his lateral quickness, he glides into passing lanes and maintains proper positioning in one-on-one matchups. Offensively, Lewis possesses an extra gear that allows him to blow past defenders in the open court. At the rim, he is an above-the-rim finisher. When attacking the basket, the former Gators wing can launch off either foot.

From a physical standpoint, Lewis is at the top of the 2021 class. At the combine, he finished at or near the top in multiple categories. His length and agility should allow him to guard multiple positions as a professional.

Weaknesses

Outside of his physical gifts and defensive instincts, Lewis lacks polish in several key areas. Offensively, his shot is inconsistent. Both is three-point and free throw percentages slid in the wrong direction during his sophomore season in Gainesville. When creating for himself, Lewis lacks creativity as a ball handler. If he doesn’t get by his defender initially, buckle up for a bumpy ride. Defensively, he must maintain discipline if he intends to stay on the floor. Last season, his per 40 foul rate crept up to 3.9.

2020-21 Season

Lewis was crammed into a system at Florida that was led by star guard Tre Mann. Offensively, Lewis was often the third or fourth option in half-court sets. As a team, the Gators finished the year with a pedestrian 15-10 record. In the NCAA Tournament, Florida was bounced in the second round. Individually, Lewis finished inside the SEC’s top 20 for total steals and blocks.

Overall Assessment

In terms of late-round options, there isn’t a prospect with more raw athleticism than Lewis. He dazzled at the combine and his quickness leaps off screen when watching his game film. That said, his transition to the NBA will require patience. Under the right coaching staff, Lewis could blossom into a defensive specialist with the length to guard multiple positions. On the opposite end of the floor, Lewis must develop a reliable skill for half-court sets. Otherwise, opponents will abandon him on the perimeter.

Overall Fit

The Blazers are in position to re-tool their bench in the offseason. If Portland is looking for a long-term prospect with unteachable strengths, Lewis fits the bill. His favorable wingspan on the perimeter aligns with the physical profiles of both Anfernee Simons and Norman Powell. In the open floor, if the Blazers shift to a pace-friendly scheme, Lewis could provide a spark in certain situations. It is also possible that Lewis slips completely out of the draft, which would allow the Blazers to chase him without surrendering assets. In the end, Lewis is a textbook boom-or-bust prospect.