NBA Comparison: Jonas Jerebko

Strengths: Walker has an intriguing skill set as a position-less forward with shot making ability and solid fluidity … Combo forward. An undersized four who could create mismatches with his versatility to stretch the floor and play at either forward position … A high level rebounder at 9.4 per game … Shooting and scoring ability show solid potential as he has excellent form and touch and shows a nose for scoring … Averaged 14.6 ppg as a sophomore and appeared as though he could average more if he had more opportunities … A 78% career free throw shooter, while solid he should be able to improve upon that and become a low to mid 80% guy at the next level … While not a sky walker, shows the ability to make highlight plays at the rim when he gets a step on his opponent … Plays with good energy. Shows an understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level with solid performances in big games … Solid feel. Grew up around the game and seems to have a passion and love for the game … Knocked down 34% on three pointers as a sophomore (36/104), a solid output but a bit of a disappointment after hitting 23/44 (52%) as a freshman. The potential is there for him to become a threat from 3 at the next level … Shows some ability to attack the basket off the dribble, especially when faced up against slower opponents … Excellent hand eye coordination and dexterity …

Weaknesses: A tweener. Lacks great foot speed to defend on the perimeter and get by opponents off the dribble … Measured with just a 6’10.75 wingspan, a solid number at nearly 7′ feet but appeared to be a few inches bigger on the floor … Struggled some with consistency as a sophomore … lacks great physical strength which limits his ability to finish after contact … Needs to add strength. A finesse player at this stage and lacks the raw athleticism and speed to get by without physicality … 3 point shooting dipped to 34% after a promising freshman season in which he hit 52% of his 3 pointers on a low volume … Became a bit turnover prone as a sophomore giving the ball up nearly twice as often as he made assists (1.2 to 2.3) somewhat a function of the necessity to create offense for Colorado, but still too high a TO rate … Appears to lack the speed to play as a full time wing … Appears better leaping off two feet. not the best one foot jumper which limits his effectiveness finishing on the break …

Outlook: Did not break out into the star that some envisioned in his sophomore season at Colorado … Figures to be taken somewhere in the early to mid second round and could end up a real sleeper if he lands in the right situation … Projects as a poor man’s Pascal Siakam …

Notes: Measured: 6’6.75” barefoot, 6’8.0” in shoes, 8’9.0” standing reach, 213.8 lbs, 6’10.75” wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine … Native of Inglewood, CA … Has NBA bloodlines. Father Samaki Walker was a top 10 pick (9th) in the talent laden 1996 NBA Draft …

Aran Smith 6/13/22