The Boston Celtics, recent off their championship run, have reportedly added some depth to their roster by signing guard Lonnie Walker IV. In keeping with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Walker has agreed to a one-year contract with the Celtics, marking his fourth NBA staff since coming into the league. The 25 12 months outdated guard, who has beforehand performed for the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets, is anticipated to carry a scoring increase to the Celtics’ bench.
Lonnie Walker IV was chosen by the San Antonio Spurs with the 18th general choose within the 2018 NBA Draft. Regardless of his excessive draft place, Walker’s rookie season was a modest one, showing in simply 17 video games and struggling to seek out his footing within the league. Over the subsequent three seasons with the Spurs, he confirmed flashes of potential however by no means totally realized the expectations that got here along with his draft standing. Throughout his 4 years in San Antonio, Walker averaged 9.4 factors, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per recreation.
Within the 2022-23 season, Walker signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, the place he skilled a resurgence in his profession. Averaging 11.7 factors per recreation within the common season, Walker turned a beneficial contributor off the bench. Nevertheless, it was within the 2023 playoffs the place he actually made his mark. In a vital Sport 4 towards the Golden State Warriors, Walker delivered some of the memorable performances of his profession.
First have a look at new Celtics signing Lonnie Walker:
25 years outdated, elite 3-point shooter, and has unimaginable athleticism.
I don’t assume individuals perceive how good of a signing that is.
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) August 29, 2024
With the Lakers needing a spark, he scored 15 factors within the fourth quarter, together with a go-ahead soar shot and two clutch free throws, serving to Los Angeles safe a 3-1 collection lead. This standout efficiency solidified his fame as a participant able to rising to the event in excessive stress conditions.
Regardless of his playoff heroics, Walker discovered himself in a lowered position with the Brooklyn Nets within the following season, averaging 9.7 factors per recreation. Whereas he remained a dependable scorer, his time with the Nets was much less impactful in comparison with his stint with the Lakers. Now, with the Celtics, Walker has a recent alternative to make a big contribution to a contending staff.
Shams Charania of The Athletic offered additional particulars about Walker’s contract with the Celtics. The deal is an Exhibit 10 contract, which affords flexibility for each the participant and the staff. An Exhibit 10 contract permits the Celtics to offer Walker a bonus if he’s waived after coaching camp and subsequently joins their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
The sort of deal means that whereas Walker isn’t assured a spot on the common season roster, he could have the chance to show himself throughout coaching camp and doubtlessly earn a job with the staff.
The previous Nets star made a career-high six 3-pointers in a loss towards the Philadelphia 76ers this previous marketing campaign
Because the Celtics goal for an additional deep playoff run, Walker might turn into a beneficial asset of their pursuit of again to again titles. Recognized for his scoring skill, significantly from past the arc, Walker has a profession three-point taking pictures proportion of 35.6%. His skill to stretch the ground might be essential, particularly when paired with Boston’s star-studded lineup that features Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Vacation, and Derrick White.
Walker’s finest likelihood to make an affect will seemingly come as a scoring choice off the bench. With defenses specializing in the Celtics’ main stars, Walker can capitalize on the spacing created by their presence. If he can persistently knock down photographs and supply the identical vitality he dropped at the Lakers throughout their playoff run, he might carve out a big position for himself in Boston.
For Walker, the transfer to Boston represents extra than simply one other cease in his NBA journey; it’s a chance for redemption and development. Whereas he has proven glimpses of his potential all through his profession, consistency has eluded him. The Celtics, with their championship pedigree and veteran management, might be the right setting for Walker to refine his recreation and set up himself as a dependable contributor.
Because the Celtics put together for the upcoming season, all eyes might be on how Walker integrates with the staff and whether or not he can replicate the heroics that made him a fan favourite in Los Angeles. If he succeeds, Boston could have discovered a hidden gem of their quest for an additional title.
