Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

With the No. 18 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs selected Miami shooting guard, Lonnie Walker IV.

Walker is a high-upside selection for the Spurs. Given the current state of the team and the uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard, it makes sense for them to swing for the fences. There were more polished prospects available, but not many had as high of a ceiling as Walker does.

Walker tore his meniscus heading into his freshman year at Miami so he was limited at times. However, there is a lot to like about him. Gregg Popovich will be happy to get his hands on a player of this caliber.

Walker is extremely athletic with a huge wingspan. He and Dejounte Murray could become quite a stifling duo in the backcourt. Offensively, Walker has some work to do. However, his form is solid and he did make 34.6 percent of his 3-point attempts. There is enough to work with there that he could develop into a reliable shooter.

The Spurs are a great landing spot for Walker and he fills a potential need for them on the wing. San Antonio usually makes the most of their late round picks and they look like they have another winner in Walker.

Grade: B