Livingston, who joined the NBA straight out of high school, spent much of his Clippers career playing behind or alongside veteran point guard Sam Cassell, soaking up as much knowledge as possible while he played catch-up in the weight room. Now an assistant coach under Doc Rivers, Cassell will pass on many of the same lessons to Gilgeous-Alexander as he did to Livingston. Gilgeous-Alexander has looked comfortable playing both on and off the ball in summer league and preseason. But with the Clippers’ current roster stacked with veterans, and with the franchise hoping to remain competitive this season, will the 20-year-old rookie be deprioritized, too? “With Doc [Rivers], everything is earned,” Clippers assistant coach Casey Hill told The Ringer in July. “You aren’t going to be given anything, especially as a rookie.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: G
Born: 07/12/98
Height: 6-6 / 1.98
Weight:180 lbs. / 81.6 kg.
Salary: $3,375,360
Born: 07/12/98
Height: 6-6 / 1.98
Weight:180 lbs. / 81.6 kg.
Salary: $3,375,360
Jovan Buha: Doc Rivers is resting Avery Bradley, Luc Mbah a Moute and Lou Williams. Shai is getting the start in Avery’s place. Tonight’s starters: Marcin Gortat Danilo Gallinari Tobias Harris Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Pat Beverley
4w
Nick DePaula: Clippers PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a multi-year footwear & apparel endorsement deal with Nike. pic.twitter.com/9d07msAmDc
The Athletic: How comfortable are you using your size? It’s such an advantage for you, but just because you have it doesn’t mean you necessarily know how to use it. It seems like you’ve kind of figured that out. What’s the next level for you? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Because I’m so tall for a point guard, I obviously understand how to use the size. But the next thing is still playing low. Guards at this level are obviously faster and stronger and will get underneath me to make it difficult. So playing low and playing at their level will help me.
The Athletic: You’re still so young and you’re probably going to put on at least 10-15 pounds of muscle over the next few years. You have a 7-foot wingspan — that’s bigger than a lot of small forwards. Do you think you’ll eventually be able to defend 2s, 3s and possibly even 4s? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Right now I can guard a 2. Most 2s. Some 2s are really strong. 3s? Eh. Really in the NBA it’s a lot of switching, so I feel like I can guard them. 4s is where it gets a little tough because guys are stronger and taller. I feel like 1 through 3 I can definitely guard right now pretty well. But I still need to put on weight.
