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2018 NBA Mock Draft: A full first round following National Championship Game

By Maxwell Ogden

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 08: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes works against Joel Berry II #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half during the quarterfinals of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 8, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 08: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes works against Joel Berry II #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half during the quarterfinals of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 8, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

. Shooting Guard. Miami Hurricanes. Lonnie Walker IV. 19. player. 125

Age: 19 (12/14/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 192 pounds, 6’10.5″
Slash Line: .415/.346/.750
Season Averages: 27.4 MPG, 11.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 3PM

In theory, the Atlanta Hawks could move forward with a starting perimeter of Dennis Schröder, Luka Doncic, and Taurean Prince. That trio should complement one another well as capable creators and shooters who at least have the tools for quality defense.

If the Hawks are going to make it out of the position they’re currently in, however, they must add talent to the roster—even if it means overlapping positions in the process.

Lonnie Walker IV has the rare combination of athleticism and skill that teams are hungry to find along the perimeter. He’s one of my top 15 players in this class due to those very traits, as he can both erupt from beyond the arc and take his man to the hole.

Once Walker gets into the paint, he can finish with explosiveness above the rim or launch a floater over the outstretched arms of a seven-footer.

For Atlanta, adding Walker to the backcourt would mean bringing in a vital element of explosiveness. He’d start out as a sixth man, but if it’s discovered that Doncic is a better option at point guard than another position, then Walker could become a starter at the 2.

Regardless of what transpires, one thought prevails: The Hawks need talent, and Walker has the tools to be a genuine star at the next level.

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