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2018 NBA Draft: Top 5 shooting guard scouting reports

By Connor Harr

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Troy Brown #0 of the Oregon Ducks drives to the basket past Jordan Shepherd #13 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half of the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Oklahoma won the game 90-80. Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Troy Brown #0 of the Oregon Ducks drives to the basket past Jordan Shepherd #13 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half of the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Oklahoma won the game 90-80. Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 24: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts after hitting the game-tying shot 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 the game-tying shot against the Louisville Cardinals at The Watsco Center on January 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Lonnie Walker, Freshman, Miami

Big Board Rank: 14

Strengths: Lonnie Walker profiles well with his length. Walker stands at 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan. He’s been a volume shooter and shot creator for the Miami Hurricanes this year. Walker has shown NBA range whether it be off catch and shoot or pull up situations. He can attack closeouts and get to rim, and finish well.

Walker is a solid open space ball handler where he can get a bit shifty in transition. He can put a move on a defender with a head of steam downhill and score in transition. His athleticism really pops off the page he’s an explosive leaper off one, or both feet. He’s extremely quick as well.

Walker’s on ball defense has been very impressive. He often takes turns with Miami guard Bruce Brown guarding the opposing team’s best player. He has the speed and length to project as a guy that can probably guard three positions at the next level.

Weaknesses: Walker has been extremely streaky this year. He’s been on a scoring roller coaster since the beginning of the season. He flashes a ton of potential but has failed to put it together over more than a week or week and a half long span.

Even though Walker has flashed the potential to be a good shooter at the next level with his great mechanics he has yet to put together that part of his game as well. Especially catching and shooting, Walker seems to really struggle. He seems more comfortable pulling up from three rather than shooting off the catch.

Lonnie Walker has been flashing some passing vision lately. However, it hasn’t be consistent enough to where you can be confident that he can develop that skill in the NBA. Also, Walker tends to take difficult shots. His poor shot selection usually comes from a confidence boost when he makes one or two in a row.

Overall Outlook: Walker has put together several consistent and great performances since the middle of January. Over his last five games Walker is averaging nineteen points and is emerging as Miami’s best player. His role in the NBA seems very projectable as either a fringe starter on instant offense player off the bench.

If Walker continues to improve his ball handling it could open so many different scoring options. Right now, though Walker can project as a three and d wing that can’t attack closeouts, and run out excelling in finishing in transition, especially if he adds some muscle.