NBA Draft 2018: 5 potential sleepers to watch

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his basket in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

6 of 6

MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 15: Lonnie Walker IV /

1. Lonnie Walker IV

Lonnie Walker IV is a raw talent with upside to establish himself for a long time in the NBA as a creator off the dribble. The one-and-done product entered the draft after one season at Miami University. Standing at 6-foot-4, his wingspan stretches to an above average 6-foot-10 providing some promise for his defensive versatility and two-way potential. His unpolished game may have benefited from another year. After officially entering the draft, Walker is a prospect with high volatility.

Despite pedestrian ball handling capabilities, Walker’s scoring ability exists on all three levels. Strong athleticism served as a crutch for him driving the ball last year. Able to finish ambidextrously, his actual finishing ability still requires some work but should improve as he becomes more refine. His ability to develop consistency in his shot is crucial to his survival and ability to thrive in the NBA. Willing to shoot off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations, his shot is far from broken but so far his efficiency signals little sign of shooting potential.

Walker is not a selfish player but lacks adept court vision and passing ability to create for others. In hand, he rarely kicks the ball off of a drive and he will likely remain limited in that facet next year.

Optimizing his dribble immediately increases the appeal of Walker. With a tendency to dribble the air out of the ball and kill possessions, he creates inefficient offense and will not be permitted to aimlessly dribble without much direction at the next level. Learning how to play better off-ball may improve as it provides context to spacing and knowledge of how impromptu basketball really works.

Next: NBA Draft 2018: 5 most overrated prospects

Walker’s high energy generates active hands aided by his length helps him strip the ball and intercept passes. On-ball, he offers the versatility to defend up to three positions. Off-ball, he offers flashes of promise with the ability to defend two men at once and recover for the close out but falls asleep far too often making him a liability to be taken advantage of in more complex NBA offenses.

Although Walker is about a year-and-a-half from being NBA ready, he offers plenty of potential to become one of the most undervalued players in this draft. His formation will not be an overnight evolution but one that may materialize into something special.

Home/NBA Draft