NBA Draft profile: Cliff Alexander
Cliff Alexander is a 6’9 PF/C from the University of Kansas who possesses many of the skills a good big man needs. At Kansas he averaged 7.1 points a game as well as 5.3 rebounds a game. Alexander only played in 28 of the Jayhawks because of a suspension regarding improper benefits he and his mother received. Most Kansas fans were disappointed of his lack of skill and show in games being he was the 4th ranked recruit coming into last years class.
The Suns have the 44th pick in the NBA Draft and Alexander might have a good shot at landing in Phoenix. They are in need of a big man that can take control of the paint and fill that role whether its at the power forward or center position. If he were drafted by the Suns, he would not start right away but could develop into a front line big man. To me Alexander shows signs of a Dwight Howard or Julius Randle. He has the strength and rebounding ability just like Howard but doesn’t have the leadership ability. Now Randle was out all of the 2015 season with a broken leg but he and Alexander are very alike in their athleticism and IQ of the game.
Alex Len and the Morris twins aren’t getting it done for the Suns. Who knows what the Suns will do because of the charges that were put on Marcus and Markeiff Morris so Alexander would be a great void to fill the role. Ironically both the twins went to Kansas also…
Alexander has the skills it takes to be an elite NBA PF/C but can he withstand the pressure and hype it takes to be one? Yes. In my opinion, coming from someone who is a big KU fan and is going to attend the school next year, he has what it takes. He did have a couple big showings last season putting 20+ points up in 3 games. The rebounding and dunking ability is off the charts for Alexander as he is 239 pounds and is pretty much all pure muscle.
If Cliff Alexander is on the board when the 14th pick of the 2nd round comes around, there is no doubt the Suns take him in my opinion. He will be a hit or miss whether he plays the way he can.
Jan 7, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cliff Alexander (2) runs back down court after a dunk giving his team the lead against the Baylor Bears during the second half at Ferrell Center. Kansas won 56-55. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
It takes a while for someone to get used to something challenging and Cliff Alexander possesses the ability to mature in the NBA and become a great role player if the Suns were to draft him.