The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Draft Big Board 7.0

By Christopher Kline

Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic reacts during the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic reacts during the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/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) /

Walker is one off the smartest players you’ll find in interviews, which is always a positive sign. He’s also a plus athlete whose length makes him an effective defender, whether it be choking off passing lanes or soaring in for the occasional weak-side block.

On the offensive end, Walker can already function without the ball. He has solid footwork coming around screens and boasts compact shooting mechanics off the catch. Assuming his handles continue to improve, he also flashed some go-to scoring upside off the dribble.

Walker’s athleticism also helps as a cutter and slasher, where he can hang and contort his body to finish around the rim. He might take a few years to peak, but he has more upside than Mikal Bridges and is over two years younger.