SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 5: Lonnie Walker IV #18 of the San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
As San Antonio Spurs rookie Lonnie Walker IV approaches his return to the lineup, he’s got a serious chance to jumpstart the team.
With the franchise’s highest pick since selecting Tim Duncan with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs used the 18th pick in this year’s draft on swingman Lonnie Walker IV from the University of Miami.
In many pre-draft projections, Walker was considered a surefire lottery pick because of his explosiveness and two-way upside. As it goes with draft day, teams changed course and Walker fell all the way to general manager R.C. Buford and the Spurs.
Walker has yet to make his NBA debut after suffering a meniscus injury in the offseason, but his return to the lineup draws closer. He was seen warming up before San Antonio’s home victory against Golden State and is suspected to work his way back into playing shape with the G League affiliate Austin Spurs.
For many fans, the prospect of adding Walker to the lineup instills hope and excitement. The last time San Antonio added a late lottery pick to their roster, head coach Gregg Popovich helped groom him into a Finals MVP. The possibilities for Pop and Walker heading into the future are endless, especially with coveted shooting coach Chip Engelland in the mix.
It’s hard to expect too much from a recovering rookie but Walker has the potential to make an instant impact with his wide range of skills that made him one of the most intriguing picks his draft class.
Popovich and Buford see the potential impact he can make both on and off the court.
