The Boston Celtics, recent off their championship run, have reportedly added some depth to their roster by signing guard Lonnie Walker IV. In response to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Walker has agreed to a one-year contract with the Celtics, marking his fourth NBA workforce since getting into the league. The 25 12 months previous guard, who has beforehand performed for the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets, is anticipated to convey 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 absolutely 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 sport.
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 sport within the common season, Walker turned a useful contributor off the bench. Nevertheless, it was within the 2023 playoffs the place he actually made his mark. In an important Sport 4 towards the Golden State Warriors, Walker delivered one of the crucial memorable performances of his profession.
First have a look at new Celtics signing Lonnie Walker:
25 years previous, elite 3-point shooter, and has unbelievable athleticism.
I don’t assume folks 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 sequence lead. This standout efficiency solidified his repute as a participant able to rising to the event in excessive stress conditions.
Regardless of his playoff heroics, Walker discovered himself in a diminished function with the Brooklyn Nets within the following season, averaging 9.7 factors per sport. 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 major contribution to a contending workforce.
Shams Charania of The Athletic supplied additional particulars about Walker’s contract with the Celtics. The deal is an Exhibit 10 contract, which presents flexibility for each the participant and the workforce. An Exhibit 10 contract permits the Celtics to present Walker a bonus if he’s waived after coaching camp and subsequently joins their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
Such a deal means that whereas Walker shouldn’t be assured a spot on the common season roster, he could have the chance to show himself throughout coaching camp and probably earn a task with the workforce.
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 intention for an additional deep playoff run, Walker may change into a useful asset of their pursuit of again to again titles. Identified for his scoring capacity, significantly from past the arc, Walker has a profession three-point taking pictures proportion of 35.6%. His capacity to stretch the ground can 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 probability to make an influence will seemingly come as a scoring possibility off the bench. With defenses specializing in the Celtics’ major stars, Walker can capitalize on the spacing created by their presence. If he can constantly knock down photographs and supply the identical power he delivered to the Lakers throughout their playoff run, he may carve out a major function 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 proper surroundings for Walker to refine his sport and set up himself as a dependable contributor.
Because the Celtics put together for the upcoming season, all eyes can be on how Walker integrates with the workforce 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.
