Pro comparison
Similar to Ben Gordon and Malachi Richardson
NBA projection
Rotation player with upside
Measurements
6’4.5″ 196 lbs 6’10.25″ wingspan 19 years old
Strengths
- Athleticism (explosive, quick)
- Size/Frame (strong build)
- Shooting
- Creating potential
- Versatility
- Defensive potential
- Crafty finisher
- Cutting
Weaknesses
- Consistency/Efficiency
- Shot selection
- Aggressiveness
- Dribbling (still improving)
- Runners
- Defensive production
Write Up
The hope was Lonnie Walker IV would pair up with sophomore PG/SG Bruce Brown, but unfortunately for Miami that was cut short due to a foot injury that sidelined Brown for the rest of the season. Walker IV is a hyper athletic SG who has good explosiveness around the rim and a quick 1st step. At 6’4.5″ and 196 lbs, he has the size and strength the handle the NBA physically and will continue to grow into his body with NBA training. Offensively, Walker IV projects to be a versatile scorer as he’s able to shoot it from deep and finish around the basket. He’s still growing into his offensive game, but has shown flashes of being able to create space and generate offense for others off the bounce. Defensively, Walker has the athletic/physical tools (6’10.25″ wingspan) to thrive in the pros and has shown flashes of being a lock-down defender when engaged.
While Walker IV has the skill set and positional size/athleticism you want in a combo guard, he was somewhat of a disappointment at Miami. He struggled with his production and shooting efficiency/consistency, he had multiple single digit scoring games and failed to fully live up to the hype coming into Miami. After Brown’s foot injury, Walker IV had an opportunity to take over as the alpha dog, and while he had a few more productive/aggressive games, he never fully took over as the go to guy he could have been. Offensively, Walker IV is still learning how to add diversity off the bounce, he lacks counter moves and is fairly stiff with the ball, which limits his athleticism and shot efficiency. Walker IV could also continue adding to his shot diversity by improving his runner/floater game. Defensively, Walker IV has the potential to be a versatile defender at the next level, but needs to improve his effort, lateral quickness, and discipline. Overall, Walker IV is somewhat of a mixed bag, he’s a high upside prospect who’s skill set fits perfectly in today’s NBA, but is still a project who may never fully tap into his potential.