MJ Walker is making a case to have his exhibit 10 contract converted to a 2 way. This kid can flat out shoot and we need more of that. Shot 42.3% from 3 his senior year averaging 29 minutes.

With a name like that who cares about his shooting % from 3!!! We he needs to become a Knick!!

Draft Notes

Walker is a solid SG prospect who has steadily improved over four seasons in college. He’s a good all around guard who plays both ends. He doesn’t standout in one area but does everything well.

Walker’s shooting has improved over the years. In his senior season he’s hitting over 44% from 3 and has upped his already good FT% to 85%. He’s not a high volume scorer but plays within the system and takes good shots.

Walker is a pesky on ball defender and has the strength and quickness to guard either guard position. He’s a high energy player who competes every possession.

Analysis
NBA Comparison: Norman Powell/Xavier Henry

Strengths: Walker is a fearless leader with a ton of experience at the college level … He has a smooth shooting stroke and can score on all three levels, but he is most effective from distance at 44% on four attempts per game … He is also shooting over 50% inside the arc on six such attempts per game … Walker has been an impactful scorer in all four seasons for the Seminoles and can take the role of a ball-handler or a spot-up shooter. He will be most comfortable as a shooter at the next level but can adapt as he is needed … Walker is also a valuable leader defensively and keeps his guys organized in a ferocious defensive style for Leonard Hamilton’s team. He averages well over a steal per 40 minutes and plays physical defense at 6’5, 213 pounds … Excellent free-throw shooter at 82% in his senior season … Maintained a starting role in his final three seasons despite an ever-changing lineup utilized by Coach Hamilton … Has become a much smarter defender reducing his fouls per 40 minutes drastically each season … Attacks the glass and is willing to share the ball with his teammates with nearly three rebounds and assists per game … His huge improvement in jump shooting has him climbing up draft boards to be an instant impact 3-and-D player … Has the lateral quickness and strength to defend all kinds of guards and keep them in front of him. He is a defender first, but the shooting improvement is a big step for Walker and will allow him to get chances at the next level …

Weaknesses: Walker is one of the oldest players in the draft as he will be turning 23 before the draft comes around … He can play as a point guard but does not create well enough on his own to continue that role consistently at the next level … While he can still play in the role as a shooting guard, he does not have elite size or length … Even as a veteran, Walker is still a little loose with the ball and even averages more turnovers than assists in his final season and in his career as a whole … If he continues to turn the ball over like he has in college, his value will be diminished, and he will not have the time to develop as quickly as he needs to as he is already 23 … Less reliance on ball-handling as a shooting guard should eliminate these turnovers …

Outlook: There are few guards who are more natural scorers than Walker in the draft class, but there are many who have much more time to develop. Walker’s age and carelessness with the basketball will be the concerns coming from NBA teams heading into the draft …

Notes: Measured 6’3.75” barefoot, 6’5.0” in shoes, 8’5.0” standing reach, 222.4 lbs, and 6’8.5” wingspan at the 2021 NBA G-League Elite Camp … 23-year-old on draft day … 6’5, 213 pound combo guard, but most effective as a shooting guard … Rugged player who enjoys contact. Played football as a youth … #27 recruit in 2017 ESPN 100 … 3-year starter at Florida State … 43/44/82 shooter through 19 games in his senior season …

Derek Bast 3/11/21

Sign to training camp, retain rights for g league then see what happens