NBA Mock Draft Pick #17 — Lonnie Walker IV, Guard, Miami
SB Nation’s Milwaukee Bucks blog Brew Hoop explains the pick:
Milwaukee isn’t short on talent at the wing, with Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and some quasi-competency through Malcolm Brogdon and Tony Snell, but Coach Bud built his reputation in Atlanta on building mid-round wing picks into quality players. This pick reflects that confidence, and supercharges their wing depth with an athleticism few of the above (sans Giannis) possess. Walker’s knee injury and iffy shooting numbers may lend some pause, but the hope is that he can operate smoother when he’s not the fulcrum of an offense. Working off Giannis and Khris, he should be able to use that quickness to vault around screens or find cutting lanes to the basket. He’s nowhere near an elite shooter off the dribble or squaring up off-ball, but even if his 34.6% from three only maintains at the next level, he’ll be a valuable spot up player around the arc. His 6’10” wingspan follows Milwaukee’s belief in switchability along the perimeter, and although he’ll have to fill out his frame, his athleticism should give Milwaukee another sorely needed player to match quicker guards. His off-the-dribble ability remains sporadic, but Milwaukee only needs him to hit shots and play competent defense at this point. At his young age under Bud’s tutelage, there seems like plenty of chance at upside for Walker too.
- Suns DEANDRE AYTON
- Kings LUKA DONCIC
- Hawks JAREN JACKSON
- Grizzlies MARVIN BAGLEY III
- Mavs WENDELL CARTER JR.
- Magic MO BAMBA
- Bulls MICHAEL PORTER JR.
- Cavaliers TRAE YOUNG
- Knicks MIKAL BRIDGES
- Sixers ZHAIRE SMITH
- Mavs MILES BRIDGES
- Clippers SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
- Magic ELIE OKOBO
- Nuggets KEVIN KNOX
- Wizards ROBERT WILLIAMS
- Suns COLLIN SEXTON
- Bucks LONNIE WALKER IV
- Spurs TROY BROWN
- Hawks DE’ANTHONY MELTON
- Wolves KEVIN HUERTER
- Jazz CHANDLER HUTCHISON
- Bulls JOSH OKOGIE
- Pacers KEITA BATES-DIOP
- Nets GRAYSON ALLEN
- Lakers AARON HOLIDAY
- Sixers JACOB EVANS
- Celtics JEROME ROBINSON
- Warriors KHYRI THOMAS
- Blazers DONTE DIVINCENZO
- Hawks MELVIN FRAZIER