Soaring Down South
Fansided

2018 NBA Draft: 7 Players the Hawks Could Select at 19th Overall

By Chris Guest

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 7: Oregon forward Troy Brown (0) is all smiles at the end of overtime during the first round game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington State Cougars on March 7, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 7: Oregon forward Troy Brown (0) is all smiles at the end of overtime during the first round game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington State Cougars on March 7, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
SOUTH BEND, IN – FEBRUARY 19: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of Miami (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – FEBRUARY 19: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of Miami (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Lonnie Walker IV

We have sung the praises of Lonnie Walker IV out of Miami before, boldly proclaiming that he could become the next Donovan Mitchell, and scouts and draft pundits have also taken notice of Walker’s explosive athleticism and unique skill set as he has rocketed up draft boards in recent weeks leading up to the draft.

Though the Hawks will have to develop him correctly if he makes it all the way down to 19th, Walker projects to be an exceedingly high-ceiling, low-floor prospect at the next level.

He showed some spaciness and a lack of effort at times in college, but that shouldn’t be an issue once he makes it to the NBA, and is able to leverage his athleticism into easy looks at the rim and from deep.

With a projectable and rock-solid shooting form, Walker should develop into a knockdown shooter as a lead ballhandler. Of course, his handle needs to be tightened up a bit and his passing is lacking, but Walker’s physical gifts are too impressive to deny.

Similar to Spida Mitchell, if Walker can ace the interview process with the Hawks, the team should be happy to take him with the 19th pick.