2018 NBA Mock Draft 8.0

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Marvin Bagley poses for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Marvin Bagley poses for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
(Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)

I think intelligence and work ethic often get undervalued by those not directly involved in the draft process. Walker is somebody whose basketball I.Q. has stood out in interviews, causing his draft stock to trend upward.

Walker checks a lot of boxes for the Sixers, giving them another lengthy defender who thrives off the ball offensively. His ability to hit shots off screens and make timely cuts to the rim would fit perfectly next to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

While not a dynamic ball handler, Walker is also capable of making tough shots off the dribble. If he can tap into that more consistently, his upside in the Sixers’ system is infinitely higher.