CEMENTING his spot in the starting lineup throughout the 2024/25 National Basketball League (NBL), Next Star Malique Lewis certainly did his NBA Draft chances no harm with a strong campaign as a member of the SEM Phoenix.

Lewis was well-utilised by mid-season coaching appointee Josh King, and saw plenty of court time throughout both the home and away fixture and the postseason, which allowed the NBA hopeful ample opportunity to develop his craft.

Lewis has plenty of value to NBA sides, particularly as a defender, showing plenty of ability to shut down players around the perimeter, while also demonstrating a solid base as an offensive player thanks to impressive athletic profile and an improving jumpshot.

With the regular season all wrapped up, Lewis is the final player in Rookie Me Central‘s Next Star Review series, putting the competition’s best and brightest under the microscope.

Malique Lewis

Averages – 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.5 blocks

WHAT HE HAS SHOWN

Lewis became an important piece for the Phoenix over the course of the season, becoming one of the premier defenders on the team and found himself often tasked with locking down the most dangerous players in the NBL. The 20-year-old’s ability to stay in front of his opponent, and continuously harass the ball handler often helped the Phoenix to victory.

Although not the most consistent scorer, Lewis could chime in for a double-digit performance in any given match if he maintained his aggression with ball in hand. At six-foot-eight, the Next Star liked to put plenty of pressure on the rim, and often timed his cuts to perfection, making the most of the passing prowess of his teammates in Derrick Walton Jr and Nathan Sobey.

HIS IMPROVEMENTS MOVING FORWARD

Offensive impact at a consistent level is his biggest area of improvement moving forward, but he has still shown glimpses of promise in this arena. A capable spot-up shooter, Lewis still has strides to take if he is to be a reliable shooter from long range, which is a crucial area in the modern NBA. He is certainly capable scorer off the dribble, with plenty of bounce in his game helping him get downhill, but if he can become a genuine three-level threat with more confidence in his shot, it will certainly help. If selected in the NBA Draft, the G-League is the perfect platform to develop this area, as the NBL has proven to be a tough competition to score in.

HIS BEST PERFORMANCE

Although the Phoenix fell to the Perth Wildcats back in November courtesy of a Bryce Cotton masterclass, the Phoenix’s Next Star was still one of the best performers on the court, and managed to hit the scoreboard for one of his best offensive outings of the season. He posted 15 points and shot 5/5 from inside the arc, timing his cuts to perfection and looking to put the pressure on Perth’s big men to be constantly guarding the paint. Lewis also posted six rebounds, three assists and a block in a well-balanced game that was the perfect summation of his skills.

IN A SENTENCE

Lewis should still be in draft contention after a rock solid season with the Phoenix, continuing his trajectory as an elite-level defender while also taking steps forward in terms of offensive production.