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Knicks Rumors: New York is targeting Lonnie Walker IV

By Maxwell Ogden

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 15: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts in the second half while taking on the Loyola Ramblers in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 15: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts in the second half while taking on the Loyola Ramblers in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks aren’t expected to draft a guard, but Miami Hurricanes standout Lonnie Walker could be the player who changes their perspective.

Per usual, the New York Knicks are at the heart of conflicting reports. While general manager Scott Perry has outright stated that the Knicks will select the best player available, a rumor recently surfaced that New York will not be selecting a guard.

As Knicks fans attempt to read between the lines and understand what the organization is thinking, the latest revelation may have tipped their hand.

New York has scouted a seemingly endless list of prospects, and will continue to do so in the month leading up to the 2018 NBA Draft. There’s been an undeniable focus on finding an athletic wing, however, which has become a well-documented priority for the front office.

In an appearance on the Long Twos Podcast, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report stated that the Knicks have serious interest in Miami Hurricanes shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV.

"“[Lonnie Walker IV] is a sleeper pick for the Knicks. I’ve talked to somebody around his camp who said the Knicks have been interested in him and reached out.”Per Bryan Kalbrosky of HoopsHype, the Knicks have already met with Walker.Lonnie Walker has already met with five teams with a Top 10 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, source tells me. The list includes Knicks, Magic, Bulls and Sixers. Clippers have also expressed interest. Draft stock definitely rising.More on @hoopshype: https://t.co/zcEFwLTxX9— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) May 18, 2018That doesn’t necessarily mean that New York will select Walker, but he’s certainly a prospect on the radar.Walker is a 6’4.5″ shooting guard with a 6’10.25″ wingspan, a muscular 196.2-pound frame, and an explosive 40.0 max vertical leap. He ranked second at the Combine in the Shuttle Run and third in the Three Quarter Sprint—tests of his agility and end-to-end speed.Walker’s time of 3.06 seconds in the Three Quarter Sprint—a run from one baseline to the opposite three-point line—was .08 seconds faster than the mark posted by John Wall.Coupled with an explosive first step that defines his slashing ability, Walker is one of the most compelling shooting guards in this draft class.Beyond the physical abilities, Walker has three-point range on his jump shot and dynamic finishing ability in the paint. He can play above the rim, pull up for a gorgeous floater, or finish through traffic with acrobatics and poise.Walker has also proven to be a quality distributor and a forceful defender who can legitimately lock an opponent down when he’s focused.Must Read: Kristaps Porzingis is excited to play for David FizdaleThe question is: Will the New York Knicks add another guard to the rotation in 2018 NBA Draft prospect Lonnie Walker IV?Published on 05/25/2018 at 10:01 AM EDTLast updated on 05/25/2018 at 10:04 AM EDT “[Lonnie Walker IV] is a sleeper pick for the Knicks. I’ve talked to somebody around his camp who said the Knicks have been interested in him and reached out.”Lonnie Walker has already met with five teams with a Top 10 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, source tells me. The list includes Knicks, Magic, Bulls and Sixers. Clippers have also expressed interest. Draft stock definitely rising.More on @hoopshype: https://t.co/zcEFwLTxX9— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) May 18, 2018"

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