Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 16 in 2018 NBA Draft
3. Lonnie Walker IV, SG — Miami
Lonnie Walker IV seems to be the popular pick among mock drafts at No. 16, with The Ringer, USA TODAY and CBS Sports slotting the Miami guard to the Suns at this spot. To be fair, there’s a lot to like about him and his scoring potential at the next level.
Walker got off to a slow start during his freshman year, but once his role shifted midseason, he looked like the kind of go-to scorer that has him right on the cusp of becoming a lottery selection. He can create his own shot, has a smooth stroke and let’s be honest: Nobody in the 2018 NBA Draft has better hair.
Slow-motion look at Lonnie Walker's shooting stroke. Few guards in this draft with more upside. Love his ability to shoot it on the move at close to 6-5 with a near 6-11 wingspan. Full scouting breakdown on Walker from February: https://t.co/vJYt4s0LMI pic.twitter.com/y0puR0Ylfu
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 17, 2018
Walker may have only averaged 11.5 points per game in his lone season with the Hurricanes, but his numbers jumped to 14.0 points per game over the last five games of the regular season.
He’s got the length (6’10.5″ wingspan) and lateral quickness to defend either guard spot, which would theoretically make him a solid fit whenever he shares the backcourt with Devin Booker.
"I feel I can be a franchise player. I feel I have what it takes, whether it’s offensively or defensively. I can score with the best of them and guard the best players. The potential is there, but I just need to keep working hard and believing in myself." https://t.co/vxrc0DJXzT
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 17, 2018
However, there are some definite red flags here as well, aside from the fact that he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in 2017. Walker’s scoring came around down the stretch, but he didn’t contribute in many other categories, averaging 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game for the year.
He also only shot 34.9 percent from 3-point range, which suggests the foundation is there, but more work is needed to become a reliable floor-spacer. The most successful NBA teams have multiple interchangeable wings, but the common themes are being able to defend the wing, space the floor, switch on defense and make plays for others.
If Walker’s shot is just “meh,” and he can only defend two guard spots at 6’4″, and he doesn’t have a capacity for facilitation, he’s a less than ideal fit on a roster that already has Devin Booker, Troy Daniels and Davon Reed at the 2. If Phoenix is convinced by his scoring potential, take him. Otherwise, it might be better to gear this pick more toward fit than best player available.