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New York Knicks: Top 5 2018 NBA Draft options entering All-Star Break

By Maxwell Ogden

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats looks on dunking the ball against the Butler Bulldogs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats looks on dunking the ball against the Butler Bulldogs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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READING, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes high-fives teammates before going to the bench in the final seconds during the second half at Santander Arena on November 22, 2017 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Miami defeated La Salle 57-46. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
READING, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes high-fives teammates before going to the bench in the final seconds during the second half at Santander Arena on November 22, 2017 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Miami defeated La Salle 57-46. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

Upside Comparison: DeMar DeRozan
Age: 19 (12/14/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 192 pounds, 6’10.5″
Slash Line: .413/.339/.783
Season Averages: 25.8 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.6 3PM

I’ve said it before, and I’ll double down on it: If you’re looking for this year’s Donovan Mitchell, look no further than Lonnie Walker IV. It’s rare that a player manages to combine explosive athleticism, a solid jump shot, and the ability to drive, but that’s exactly what Walker has done.

Walker is still relatively raw at this stage of his development, but watching him play will inevitably illicit the sense that he could become something special.

Since Bruce Brown went down with a left foot injury, Walker has been given the keys to the Miami Hurricanes’ offense. He’s capitalized on this opportunity by turning in a string of performances that support what many were already growing to believe: Walker has star potential.

The 6’4″ shooting guard has utilized his speed, agility, explosive leaping ability, and impressive shooting touch to torment opposing defenses.

If Walker is asked to work without the ball, he’ll successfully do so by playing the angles and positioning himself for a spot up three. With the ball in his hands, he has a tight enough handle to get by his man and finish in the paint with a floater or make a thunderous play from above the rim.

Throw in the fact that Walker has flashed lockdown potential as a defender, competence as an off-the-bounce shooter, and skill as a passer, and he’s a star in the making.

Walker is essentially a shorter DeMar DeRozan with the near 6’11” wingspan to make up the difference.

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