NBA Draft Scouting Report: Maxwell Lewis

Maxwell Lewis made big strides in his second season at Pepperdine. After playing in just 21 games with two starts as a freshman, the forward started all 31 games, while playing 31 minutes per game for the Waves this season. He improved his scoring to 17.1 points, pulled down 5.7 rebounds and dished out 2.8 assists.

He shot 46.9% from the field and 35.1% on more than four attempts per contest from deep. He began the season with a 29-point effort on 12-for-15 shooting and 5-of-7 from 3 to go along with six boards and five assists against Rice. The All-WCC Second Team selection scored at least 20 points 13 times.

This isn’t his first time dipping his toes into the NBA Draft waters. The AZ Compass Prep product skipped his senior year of high school to train for the 2021 NBA Draft but ultimately chose to attend Pepperdine.

Measurements

Height: 6 feet, 7 inches

Weight: 195 pounds

Wingspan: 6 feet, 10 inches

Strengths

3-point shooting, offensive versatility

Lewis is a very competent 3-point shooter. He knocked down better than 35% of his attempts from long range this season. He had three games in which he poured in four or more triples. To play at the next level, he is going to have to keep shooting at a high level.

The sophomore displayed a wide range on the offensive end this season. He told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that he played parts of the offense that he never had before. Coach Lorenzo Romar had him breaking down defenders one-on-one as opposed to waiting for passes and opportunities to come to him, which helped his game blossom.

Areas to improve

Taking care of basketball, thin frame

Lewis had nearly three turnovers per game last season. While his expanded offensive repertoire proved to a benefit, he was at times careless with the basketball. He will have to take better care of the ball at the next level.

Standing 6-foot-7-inches and just 195 pounds, the sophomore prospect has a thin wiry frame. He will have to fill his frame out to be more durable in the NBA.

Projected draft range: Late-first round to mid-second round pick

Lewis has the ability to provide a spark plug for whoever selects him. His 3-point shooting and offensive versatility will prove beneficial. While he may not play big minutes right away, the potential is there for a lengthy, productive career.