[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Maxwell Lewis
Frame: 6’7″, 195 lbs
Position: Forward
Team: Pepperdine
Year: Sophomore
2023 Draft Age: 20
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

Lewis is a long, rangy, 3-and-D wing with prototypical NBA size for his position. He can really shoot it from downtown with a tight and compact release on his jumper. His numbers don’t necessarily reflect his ability, as some questionable shot attempts may relate to the heavy he’s asked to carry at Pepperdine.

From his hot zone (the right-wing three), Lewis shoots about 50 percent. He is hitting just under 47 percent from the field on the year. Lewis’ release could use a few easy corrections for more fluidity and speed. He occasionally brings the ball out in front of himself close to the defender while loading up.

Repetition should also increase his release speed. His pump fake and jab step confuse defenders, yielding uncontested looks. His slight flaws in ball placement aren’t usually challenged but need cleaning up at the next level.

Lewis lacks an elite first step for separation but still beasts his defenders off the dribble. His craftiness on drives and ambidextrous finishing challenge defenders. He can take smaller opponents to the block and score over them on a switch. He’s patient with the ball, looking to attack or create for a teammate.

Off the ball, his movement shotmaking stretches out the defense. Once he acclimates and gains consistency, this should be a strength in the NBA.

Defense

Lewis needs to improve defensively. He has the physical tools and length to disrupt plays but often appears lost. Lewis should be able to switch to cover multiple positions. But he needs more consistency in effort and focus. If he can improve on the defensive end, Lewis may be able to carve out a long career in the NBA.

He doesn’t have elite lateral quickness, but the length makes up the difference, helping him disrupt passing lanes and block shots. His body control is above average, preventing unnecessary fouls. For Lewis, it ultimately comes down to his commitment and determination to play defense at a high level. There are certainly teams that will have interest purely based on his offensive skills, but he has a much higher upside as a two-way player.

Using his body, refining his read making and committing to becoming a more active participant in defense will determine his career path. Coach Lorenzo Romar, who has developed many NBA players through his program, spoke highly of Lewis’s ability to improve.

Looking Ahead

Lewis can have an excellent, lengthy career with just a few tweaks to his shooting routine and a buy-in defensively. His skills allow him to be a connector on a team, flourishing without the ball in his hands. He must improve his decision-making, limit turnovers, and commit to defense full-time. He has the body type teams covet and will hear his name called on draft night, perhaps in the 15-24 range.

Lewis’s game resembles players like James Jones, Robert Covington and, more recently, a shorter Trey Murphy III. He won’t be expected to be a high-volume scorer but may provide his team with some quick points and aggressive wing defense (provided he puts in the work). If so, he should be able to find a consistent role in the league.