The Boston Celtics, contemporary 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 coming 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 predicted to carry a scoring increase to the Celtics’ bench.
Lonnie Walker IV was chosen by the San Antonio Spurs with the 18th general decide 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 search 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 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 grew to become a precious 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 probably the most memorable performances of his profession.
Contract particulars for Lonnie Walker IV with the Celtics, sources mentioned: Exhibit 10. An E10 permits Celtics to offer a bonus to Walker if he’s waived after coaching camp and performs for the workforce’s G League affiliate in Maine.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 29, 2024
With the Lakers needing a spark, he scored 15 factors within the fourth quarter, together with a go-ahead leap shot and two clutch free throws, serving to Los Angeles safe a 3-1 sequence 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 decreased position 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 contemporary 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 gives flexibility for each the participant and the workforce. 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.
Such a deal means that whereas Walker is just not assured a spot on the common season roster, he could have the chance to show himself throughout coaching camp and probably earn a job with the workforce.
The Massachusetts membership hope so as to add one other precious asset to an already solidified roster, as they hope to pursue one other NBA title run
Because the Celtics intention for an additional deep playoff run, Walker might turn out to be a precious asset of their pursuit of again to again titles. Identified for his scoring capability, significantly from past the arc, Walker has a profession three-point taking pictures proportion of 35.6%. His capability 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 impression will doubtless 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 pictures and supply the identical vitality he dropped at the Lakers throughout their playoff run, he might carve out a major 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, could possibly be the proper atmosphere 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 might 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 might have discovered a hidden gem of their quest for an additional title.
