LOS ANGELES – It took a few weeks, but the LA Clippers have officially signed their two rookies in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson to their respective rookie deals. Per team policy, teams of the agreements were not disclosed.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, but was traded immediately to the LA Clippers in exchange for their 12th pick and a future second round pick. Ultimately, Los Angeles is where Gilgeous-Alexander wanted to be and now he's set to begin his NBA career there.
The Kentucky freshman averaged 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals on 48.5 percent shooting from the field and 40.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc, but he wasn't a full time starter until midway through the season.
“It's a great feeling,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ClutchPoints via a conference call immediately after being drafted. “Just being able to play in the NBA. That's first and foremost. Being drafted to a team you feel like you fit well and you really wanted to go to is an even better feeling.
“I'm really excited. I'm a competitor, and I love to win. LA has a couple of really good pieces right now in place, and I think me and Jerome stepping in right away will make them better and hopefully we get to the playoffs to contend. I'm a competitor and I love to compete and win.”
Jerome Robinson was drafted 13th overall by the Clippers, and while the pick surprised many, reports surfaced following the draft that teams like the Denver Nuggets (14th overall pick), Washington Wizards (15th overall pick), and Milwaukee Bucks (17th overall pick) were all intrigued and reportedly considered selecting him with their respective picks.
Robinson averaged 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 three-pointers per game on 48.5 percent shooting from the field and 40.9 percent from beyond the arc in his junior year at Boston College.
“I'm NBA ready and somebody that can contribute right away,” Robinson told ClutchPoints via a conference call following the Draft. “I think that's one thing that made me really attractive in the Draft.
“I can bring being a shot maker at three levels, a playmaker, a guy that can guard, and play multiple positions. I think the NBA is going really versatile and that's something that I am.”
Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson will be making their debuts in the Summer League on Friday night against the Golden State Warriors at 8:30 PM PST on ESPN.
Follow Us
Subscribe