Thunderous Intentions
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Lonnie Walker IV: Energetic prospect draws Corey Brewer comparison

By Rylan Stiles

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 31: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes drives to the basket while being defended by Parker Stewart #1 and Marcus Carr #5 of the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half of the game at The Watsco Center on January 31, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 31: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes drives to the basket while being defended by Parker Stewart #1 and Marcus Carr #5 of the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half of the game at The Watsco Center on January 31, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 15: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes waits to enter the game against the Loyola Ramblers in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 15: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes waits to enter the game against the Loyola Ramblers in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Awards and Honors:

  • ACC All-Freshman team
  • 3x ACC Rookie of the week
  • Lead Miami in Scoring
  • McDonalds All American Game
  • Jordan Brand Classic Game

Pro Comparison:

Lonnie Walker IV is often compared to Corey Brewer, and Patrick McCaw. Neither of those names will get a fan base excited about their new (likely) lottery pick. That said, a team is comprised of 15 players and having an energy guy who can produce is equally coveted when filling out rosters.

The Brewer comparison feels appropriate. With that, Lonnie Walker IV will be a solid reserve off a teams bench. Teams will have to try and keep him engaged, which could end up being his downfall. However, you have to wonder how much the seeming lack of effort was due to injury.

Lonnie Walker IV is ready to prove he belongs, and does not lack confidence:

Where Lonnie Walker IV ranks:

More from Thunderous Intentions

The Ringer: 16th

NBA Draft Net: 20th

NBA: 5th best guard

CBS Sports: 14th

SI: 15th

Bleacher Report: 17th

Basketball Insider: 14th

Sporting News: 15th

USA Today: 16th

Does Lonnie Walker IV fit in OKC?:

Lonnie Walker IV does not fit in Oklahoma City. Walker will be taken in the first round, the Thunder do not have a first round pick. Lonnie Walker IV is not worth parting with a pair of second round picks, cash considerations, or a player already on-roster.

Where would Lonnie Walker IV fit best?:

The Utah Jazz. Lonnie Walker IV needs to come off the bench, and learn to start his career. While he would fall out of the lottery in this case, it will be better for his career later down the line.

The Jazz have solid building blocks for the future. That would take the pressure off of Lonnie Walker IV, as he would be the third or so option on Utah’s squad, compared to being thrust into being the guy elsewhere. He is not ready to be the guy, but the upside is there.

Next: Translating Robert Williams raw tools into pro success

As pointed out by Hayden Van De Maat on The J Notes: “If Dennis Lindsey is looking for another young star to form the ‘Big 3’ with Mitchell and Gobert, Lonnie Walker may very well be the answer.”

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