Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
KJ Lewis
Position: Guard/Forward
College: Arizona
Class: Sophomore
Height/Weight: 6'4", 205 lbs
Birthdate: August 3, 2004
High School: Duncanville (TX)
Player Overview
KJ Lewis is an athletic, defensive-minded wing with fantastic off-ball instincts. Known for his ability to cut effectively and finish at the rim, Lewis excels in contested areas, showing strong hands and fearlessness in absorbing contact. His physicality and athleticism allow him to play bigger than his size, giving him an edge as a versatile, switchable defender. Offensively, Lewis has yet to establish himself as a consistent scoring threat, with questions surrounding his jump shot and confidence in his offensive game. This season will be critical for Lewis to showcase his ability to contribute beyond slashing and finishing.
"Lewis’ athleticism, explosiveness, and toughness as a defender and finisher make him an intriguing prospect. Developing his overall perimeter skills will be crucial for his growth moving forward." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Elite Cutting Ability: One of the best cutters in this draft class, Lewis consistently finds open lanes and makes himself available for high-percentage looks at the rim.
Contested Finishing: Lewis thrives in traffic, catching and finishing through contact with ease, showing NBA-level strength and coordination.
Defensive Versatility: Capable of switching across positions 1–4 in college and likely 1–3 at the NBA level, Lewis’ defensive instincts and athleticism make him a valuable asset.
Athleticism: A freakish athlete, Lewis combines quickness, vertical ability, and physical toughness to impact the game in transition and on defense.
Concerns
Limited Offensive Impact: Lewis struggles to impact the game offensively when not slashing, often going unaccounted for by defenders due to his lack of shooting and self-creation ability.
Inconsistent Shooting: He has yet to prove himself a reliable shooter, and his jump shot must improve substantially to be a consistent scoring threat.
Questionable Playmaking: With limited experience as a ball-handler, Lewis must demonstrate improved decision-making and playmaking with the ball in his hands.
NBA Role: Without significant growth offensively, his ability to contribute in a specialized role may limit his minutes at the next level.
Questions
Shooting Development: Can Lewis improve his shooting mechanics and become a confident threat from the perimeter?
Playmaking Growth: Will he show progress as a ball-handler and creator, allowing him to contribute dynamically on offense?
Defensive Switchability: Can Lewis continue to guard multiple positions effectively against higher-level competition?
Bottom Line
KJ Lewis has the tools to be a valuable NBA role player, with his defensive versatility and cutting ability standing out as key strengths. However, his offensive game needs significant growth, particularly as a shooter and playmaker, to solidify his potential at the next level. If Lewis can make strides this season, he can hear his name in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Another year of development at Arizona may be beneficial if his offensive game doesn’t progress as expected.