Knicks Rumors: New York scouted 2018 NBA Draft prospect Lonnie Walker IV
The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in 2018 NBA Draft prospect Lonnie Walker IV. That was confirmed by their presence at his workout.
The New York Knicks have a backcourt that’s equal parts promising and convoluted. There’s star potential at both positions, as well as a measure of uncertainty pertaining to whether or not said players will be able to live up to the expectations.
Knowing this to be true, it should come as no surprise that general manager Scott Perry is scouting guards in the weeks leading up to the 2018 NBA Draft.
New York’s interest in guards has extended to the likes of Alabama Crimson Tide star Collin Sexton and Oklahoma Sooners floor general Trae Young. A recent report indicates that the Knicks have their eyes set on another guard: Miami Hurricanes standout Lonnie Walker IV.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Knicks doubled down on that interest by attending the Catalyst Pro Day—the event at which Walker was performing for scouts.
The Knicks were among the teams with a high-ranking executive at the Catalyst Pro Day, where Miami’s Lonnie Walker IV and others worked out. New York, which has the 9th pick, also interviewed Walker at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month. https://t.co/NCK2hwFHhn
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 31, 2018
The Knicks may have an abundance of depth at the shooting guard position, but Walker is a prospect with legitimate star potential.
Walker is a near 6’5″ shooting guard with a muscular 196-pound frame and a wingspan that stretches beyond 6’10”. He’s also an explosive athlete who ranked No. 3 in the 2018 NBA Draft in both the shuttle run and the three quarter sprint.
Walker’s time of 3.06 seconds in the three quarter sprint—a run from the baseline to the opposite three-point line—was faster than the marks posted by John Wall and Russell Westbrook.
Throw in a 40″ vertical and Walker has all of the physical traits that a general manager will be looking for at the shooting guard position.
On the court, Walker has legitimate star potential as a two-way player who’s still in the process of finding his identity. He can drive at virtual will, utilizing a floater to finish over bigger defenders and his body control to both play above the rim and score in traffic.
Walker is also a competent three-point shooter, an intriguing defensive prospect, and a skilled passer who can help lead the offense.
Must Read: Top 2018 NBA Draft targets as of June 1
Daily Knicks previously called Lonnie Walker IV the Donovan Mitchell of the 2018 NBA Draft. The New York Knicks may soon determine the same.