Is Lonnie Walker IV worth a lottery pick? Some compare him to Corey Brewer, in terms of his ability to bring constant energy and aggression to the court.
Lonnie Walker IV is a shooting guard from the University of Miami. He carried the Hurricanes to a 22-win season. Walker was a driving force with the Hurricanes, at times.
Walker has been critiqued for his effort off-ball. Injuries hampered Lonnie Walker IV during his Miami Hurricane tenure.
Walker has an extremely raw skill set, which can draw the attention of NBA teams. Specifically, they see him as a project, but someone they can develop their own way. Like most players who offer instant energy, this is a highly coveted asset by virtually all 30 teams in the Association.
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If Lonnie Walker IV is willing to put in the work, he has a very high ceiling. Lucky for him, his floor is a solid role player.
The Specifics:
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 206
- Wingspan: 6’10
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Age: 19
- College: Miami, Freshman
- Stat-line: 11-points per game, 2-rebounds per game, while shooting 41-percent from the field, and 34-percent from deep.
- Hometown: Reading, PA.
Strengths:
Lonnie Walker IV is a big body. He is a shooting guard with an ability to defend small forwards, and that defensive versatility is a big talking point around him. Walker is very explosive, and quick which makes life hard for defenses, and offenses as it is tough to lose him.
He is a good three point shooter, shooting 40-percent from the three point line last year. His untapped potential is a big strength, arguably his biggest. NBA teams are intrigued by the unknown, and coaches love to look at players and feel like they could be the coach to reach a players full potential.
Weaknesses:
Lonnie Walker IV is very ball dominate. He lacks the ability to just catch-and-shoot. He rarely provides anything on offense when the ball is not in his hand. Some have labeled him as lazy, lacking effort sometimes on both ends of the floor.
That could be categorize as boredom as well. However, it is important to note, Lonnie Walker IV played through some injuries during his time with the Hurricanes.
NBA Combine:
Lonnie Walker IV lit up the floor with a 2.91-second shuttle run, a 3.07-second three quarter sprint, in addition to a lane agility time of 10.87-seconds. His vertical was also impressive. Walker posted a 40-inch max vertical, good enough for 11th amongst participating 2018 prospects.
Like other prospects, he also used this time to meet with teams, and executives (like the New York Knicks).
Walker didn’t stop there, as he also took time out of his day, to sit down with ESPN and give a very…unique interview, where he gives his conspiracy theory on the Earth:
https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/998466477198999552
Lonnie Walker IV sure does interview like Boston Celtics star point guard Kyrie Irving, and NBA teams hope he will play like him too.
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:
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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.
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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.”