
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:
"I feel like I'm a little kid. I'm in Disney Land."
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) May 21, 2018
Former @CanesHoops guard Lonnie Walker IV can't wait to get started in the #NBA. pic.twitter.com/GdVOpEH1Cg
Where Lonnie Walker IV ranks:
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
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.”