Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Kira Lewis Jr. built his reputation on speed, using his quick first step and ability to push the pace to create opportunities in transition and the half court. While his NBA journey has included stops with multiple teams, he has continued to offer value as a young guard capable of bringing energy, ball-handling, and athleticism off the bench.

Here is detailed information about Kira Lewis Jr.:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Kira Aundrea Lewis Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born April 6, 2001
  • Hometown: Meridianville, Alabama, USA
  • Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
  • Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6’5″ (1.96 m)
  • Shoe Size: Size 11 (US)
  • Number: #13
  • Position: Point Guard
  • High School: Hazel Green High School (Hazel Green, Alabama)
  • College: University of Alabama (2018–2020)
  • NBA Draft: 2020, 1st round, 13th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans
  • Teams Played For:
    • New Orleans Pelicans (2020–present)
  • Championship Rings: None (as of 2024)
  • Kids: None
  • Siblings: Has a younger brother, Kaleb Lewis.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Kira Lewis’ player archetype is that of a speed guard: a jet-quick lead ball-handler whose game is built on pace, downhill pressure, and transition creation more than physical force or shot-volume control. At roughly 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, he is a lean, explosive guard with end-to-end burst, and his defensive role is best framed as an activity-based point-of-attack defender who relies on foot speed and effort rather than size, while offensively he fits as a secondary playmaker and slashing guard who can push tempo, attack gaps, get into the paint, and keep the offense moving with drive-and-kick reads and pull-up shooting. (NBA)

Scouting Report

Kira Lewis Jr. is one of those guards who can make a defence feel rushed simply by changing ends faster than everyone else. His speed isn’t just obvious in transition; it shows up when he turns the corner off a high pick-and-roll, forcing the weak-side defence to rotate a beat earlier than it wants to because he covers so much ground in so little time. That’s where his playmaking becomes interesting. He doesn’t throw many spectacular passes, but his pace creates passing windows that don’t exist for slower guards, especially when the low man steps across and opens a simple dump-off or kick-out. The challenge comes once the floor shrinks. Against set half-court defences that stay in front of him, he can become too reliant on outrunning the first defender instead of manipulating the second, and stronger opponents are capable of knocking him off his driving line before he reaches the paint. His jumper is at its best when defenders are already worried about the drive, allowing him to flow into rhythm pull-ups or catch-and-shoot opportunities without hesitation. Defensively, he has the foot speed to stay attached at the point of attack and recover over ball screens, but there are possessions where his lack of size becomes difficult to overcome. Bigger guards can seal him into mismatches or finish through contact even after he has defended the initial action well. What stands out, though, is that he rarely stops competing after the first breakdown, often sprinting back into the play to contest from behind or rotate onto the next assignment. I’ve always thought his ideal role is as a pace-changing guard who injects tempo into a second unit or plays alongside a larger primary creator, where his ability to pressure the rim without carrying every decision becomes much more valuable. In that environment, he can attack before the defence gets organised instead of trying to solve every possession in isolation. Stylistically, he shares elements with Ish Smith because of the way pure speed bends defensive structure, while there are flashes of Dennis Schröder in his downhill aggression and willingness to turn even a slight advantage into immediate rim pressure.

Sources:

NBA — Kira Lewis Jr. | Guard | Utah Jazz
NBA — Alabama point guard Kira Lewis Jr. boasts speed, potential
Bleacher Report — Kira Lewis Jr.’s Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Pelicans Roster
Peachtree Hoops — 2020 NBA Draft scouting report: Kira Lewis Jr.