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#2 Nickeil Alexander-Walker vs. Tomas Satoransky
This training camp battle may have come a year too early for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. In his sophomore season, Alexander-Walker proved to be a reliable two-guard off the bench, as he averaged 11 points per game on 52.2% true shooting. A starting spot certainly isn't out of reach for the third-year guard, but his opponent during training camp may be too savvy for him to oust before the season begins.
The New Orleans Pelicans have added Tomas Satoransky to their rotation as they look to improve the team's fortunes from deep, and will be hoping his off-ball movement creates additional lanes for their slashing wings. Satoransky is a capable ball-handler, and is developing a reputation for his shooting ability from deep - ending last season with a 35.6% three-point percentage on two attempts per game.
If Alexander-Walker continues to show the type of improvement that he did last year, the starting two guard spot will be his before too long. However, coming into training camp, Satoransky's experience and poise both on and off the ball may prove too much of a hurdle for the third-year guard to overcome.
Projected winner: Tomas Satoransky
#1 Devonte' Graham vs. Kira Lewis Jr
Kira Lewis Jr. screams potential. He's a speedster with an insanely good handle and an ability to cause defensive collapses before he distributes the rock. His true shooting percentage of 47.7% is fine for a rookie, especially when considering his 84.3% from the free-throw line (which is always a good indicator of shooting ability). The problem for Lewis Jr. is that the New Orleans Pelicans need to prove to their star duo that they're committed to being competitive while their younger core continues to develop. Starting a sophomore guard in place of the departed Lonzo Ball isn't how you send that message.
Enter Devonte' Graham, the former Charlotte Hornet who has shown an ability to not only lead an offense, but also to create for others. Graham is a capable three-level scorer and uses his scoring gravity to generate offensive looks for his teammates. Last season, the North Carolina native dished out 5.4 assists per game, and with the increased scoring talent around him on the New Orleans Pelicans roster, you can envision that number rising slightly.
Both Lewis Jr. and Graham are young and exciting guards. Neither projects to be a negative on offense, but both have their warts on defense. The difference is that Graham is now a proven commodity within the NBA and Lewis Jr. still has a way to go before the same can be said for him.
Perhaps in another year or two, Lewis Jr. will be one of the best young guards in the league and the New Orleans Pelicans will either have to start him or trade him. But for now, Graham will surely command the starting roster spot, and Lewis Jr. can continue his development while operating as the first point-guard off the bench. There are worse ways to develop your game.
Projected winner. Devonte' Graham
