It’s no secret the NBA draft is more about potential than past performance. So, with that in mind, it’s no surprise league scouts and executives are intrigued by what Miami shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV might eventually become, despite modest statistics in his only college season.
Despite averaging only 11.5 points on .415 shooting from the field and .346 from the three point line, Walker’s athleticism and ability to create shots off the dribble has him in position to be a late lottery or mid-teens selection.
At 6’4”, 200 pounds, Walker is able to shoot over similar sized defenders because of his explosive leaping ability, and his long range shooting should improve with more repetitions. After scoring 19 points on 5-7 shooting from beyond the arc in a win over Notre Dame this season, Irish coach Mike Brey told the Miami Herald, “Walker’s shots were pro stuff. He’s a first round guy, my assistants told me, and he looked it. He made some money tonight.”
Chicago basketball fans got a chance to watch Walker play in a first round loss to Loyola in the NCAA Tournament. He scored 12 points on 5-12 shooting from the field in the Hurricanes’ 64-62 defeat. Still, given an encouraging report from the NBA’s advisory committee, Walker announced earlier this week he is applying for the draft and will hire an agent, giving up his remaining college eligibility.
So, where does Walker fit for the Bulls? Right now, the pick the Bulls acquired from New Orleans in the Niko Mirotic trade stands at No. 18 overall, which is right about the range where Walker should be drafted. Question is, do the Bulls even need a shooting guard with Zach LaVine, Denzel Valentine and G-League Rookie of the Year Antonio Blakeney already on the roster? Probably not, but picking in the late teens usually means going for the best player available, and taking an explosive athlete with Walker’s potential wouldn’t be a total shock for a Bulls’ team still in rebuild mode. The Bulls didn’t need a power forward when they drafted Bobby Portis No. 22 overall in 2015, and that’s worked out well.
By this time next week, we’ll know exactly where that Pelicans’ pick stands. New Orleans could fall into the lottery, which would mean it could be as high as 14, but if the Pelicans win out, it could drop into the low 20’s. Unless the Bulls get lucky with their own first round pick in the lottery, chances are they’ll draft a perimeter player like Mikal Bridges or Miles Bridges and then be looking for a developmental center with the New Orleans pick.
But then again, we’re still a long way from June 21, and so many things could change after the draft combine and individual team workouts. So, keep the name Lonnie Walker IV in the back of your mind. There’s always a chance he could wind up in Chicago.
