As the Boston Celtics gear up for the new NBA season, the team has made a strategic move to enhance their roster depth by signing Lonnie Walker IV to a one-year contract. This addition comes as the team readies itself for training camp, set to commence on September 25.
Walker, a former first-round pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2018 NBA Draft, is bringing some promising stats to the Celtics. Last season, he was part of the Brooklyn Nets squad, where he averaged 9.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, primarily fulfilling the role of a bench player. His presence will likely be felt on the perimeter, given his 38.4% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc last season.
The 24-year-old guard will be looking to bounce back after a challenging period, having been sidelined for the entire month of December due to a hamstring strain. Despite this setback, Walker's potential contributions to the Celtics are promising, especially considering the high stakes of the upcoming season.
Walker’s role with the Celtics will likely see him taking up a spot as the ninth or tenth man in the rotation. His signing may well signal the end of Oshae Brissett's tenure with the team, as the Celtics seek to find the right balance and depth in their lineup. The terms of Walker's contract, an Exhibit 10 deal, provide flexibility for both the player and the team. If Walker is waived during training camp, he will be eligible for a bonus should he join the Celtics' G League affiliate, Maine Celtics.
This initiative also sets the stage for Walker to potentially reignite his career with a championship-contending team. Boston Celtics, aiming for their 18th championship, will soon be heading to Abu Dhabi for preseason games against the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets. The Celtics will also be raising their historic 18th championship banner at TD Garden during their opening game against the New York Knicks.
In his career spanning six NBA seasons, Walker has playoff experience as well, having made two postseason appearances. However, he is yet to progress beyond the conference finals. This stint with the Celtics offers an excellent opportunity for Walker to prove his mettle on a bigger stage and possibly make a deeper playoff run.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Lonnie Walker IV integrates into the Celtics’ system and whether his addition can provide the depth needed for Boston to make a significant impact. This move underscores the Celtics' commitment to building a well-rounded squad ready to compete at the highest level.