The Boston Celtics, contemporary off their championship run, have reportedly added some intensity to their roster by way of 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 workforce since coming into the league. The 25 12 months previous guard, who has up to now performed for the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets, is anticipated to convey a scoring spice up to the Celtics’ bench.
Lonnie Walker IV was once decided on by way of the San Antonio Spurs with the 18th general select within the 2018 NBA Draft. In spite of his excessive draft place, Walker’s rookie season was once a modest one, showing in simply 17 video games and suffering to seek out his footing within the league. Over the following 3 seasons with the Spurs, he confirmed flashes of possible however by no means absolutely learned the expectancies that got here along with his draft standing. All over his 4 years in San Antonio, Walker averaged 9.4 issues, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists consistent with 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 issues consistent with sport within the common season, Walker become a treasured contributor off the bench. Alternatively, it was once within the 2023 playoffs the place he really made his mark. In a a very powerful Sport 4 towards the Golden State Warriors, Walker delivered one of the crucial memorable performances of his profession.
First take a look at new Celtics signing Lonnie Walker:
25 years previous, elite 3-point shooter, and has unbelievable athleticism.
I don’t suppose other people know how just right of a signing that is.
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) August 29, 2024
With the Lakers desiring a spark, he scored 15 issues within the fourth quarter, together with a go-ahead leap shot and two grab unfastened throws, serving to Los Angeles safe a 3-1 sequence lead. This standout efficiency solidified his popularity as a participant able to emerging to the instance in excessive drive eventualities.
In spite of his playoff heroics, Walker discovered himself in a discounted position with the Brooklyn Nets within the following season, averaging 9.7 issues consistent with sport. Whilst he remained a competent scorer, his time with the Nets was once much less impactful in comparison to his stint with the Lakers. Now, with the Celtics, Walker has a contemporary alternative to make an important contribution to a contending workforce.
Shams Charania of The Athletic supplied additional information about Walker’s contract with the Celtics. The deal is an Showcase 10 contract, which gives flexibility for each the participant and the workforce. An Showcase 10 contract permits the Celtics to present Walker an advantage if he’s waived after coaching camp and therefore joins their G League associate, the Maine Celtics.
This sort of deal means that whilst Walker isn’t assured a place at the common season roster, he’ll have the ability to end up himself right through coaching camp and probably earn a job with the workforce.
The previous Nets celebrity made a career-high six 3-pointers in a loss towards the Philadelphia 76ers this previous marketing campaign
Because the Celtics purpose for some other deep playoff run, Walker may turn out to be a treasured asset of their pursuit of again to again titles. Recognized for his scoring skill, in particular from past the arc, Walker has a profession three-point taking pictures proportion of 35.6%. His skill to stretch the ground shall be a very powerful, particularly when paired with Boston’s star-studded lineup that comes with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Vacation, and Derrick White.
Walker’s very best likelihood to make an affect will most likely come as a scoring choice off the bench. With defenses specializing in the Celtics’ number one stars, Walker can capitalize at the spacing created by way of their presence. If he can constantly knock down photographs and give you the identical power he delivered to the Lakers right through their playoff run, he may carve out an important position for himself in Boston.
For Walker, the transfer to Boston represents extra than simply some other prevent in his NBA adventure; it’s a chance for redemption and enlargement. Whilst he has proven glimpses of his possible all the way through his profession, consistency has eluded him. The Celtics, with their championship pedigree and veteran management, might be the very best atmosphere for Walker to refine his sport and identify himself as a competent contributor.
Because the Celtics get ready for the impending season, all eyes shall be on how Walker integrates with the workforce and whether or not he can mirror the heroics that made him a fan favourite in Los Angeles. If he succeeds, Boston will have discovered a hidden gem of their quest for some other name.