The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 options for 10th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft

By Christopher Kline

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) looks on during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) looks on during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 24: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at The Watsco Center on January 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 24: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at The Watsco Center on January 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Lonnie Walker IV, Miami

It took several weeks for Walker to find his groove this season, but the freshman eventually grew into the Canes’ most dynamic offensive player. He brings a lot of traits the Sixers need on the wing, both spacing the floor and creating off the dribble.

While not to Smith’s extent, Walker is another elite athlete who is more than capable of playing off the ball. His shot mechanics look good, whether it be coming around screens or simply spotting up. His 34.6 percent three-point shooting doesn’t necessarily match expectations moving forward.

Walker is also a dynamic pull-up shooter, stretching well beyond the three-point line. He’s capable of putting the ball on the floor and creating his own shot, using clean footwork to generate space and get up shots. That’s something no other wing on the Sixers’ roster can match.

Aside from shooting, Walker’s athleticism also makes him a dangerous threat around the rim. Both on drives and cuts, he’s able to contort his body and finish through traffic on a regular basis. He’s also liable for a few big dunks from time to time.

At 6-5 with a 6-10 wingspan, Walker presents some tantalizing upside on the defensive end. His engagement wavers, but he has the length and athleticism needed to get into passing lanes and force ball handlers out of rhythm.

Adding weight will be a point of emphasis for Walker. He’s long enough to defend three positions, but will need to bulk up in order to handle strong-bodied forwards. That could go a long way in making the Sixers a more versatile defensive rotation around Joel Embiid.

Given the Sixers’ biggest issues against Boston in the postseason — lack of ball handlers and awful defensive matchups — looking into a prospect like Walker makes sense. He checks a lot of boxes for the current rotation.