As the defending champion Boston Celtics gear up for the upcoming NBA season, they have fortified their roster by signing Lonnie Walker IV to a one-year deal. This strategic move comes just as the team is set to begin training camp on September 25, signaling their intent to build on last year’s success.
Walker, a former first-round pick selected by the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, spent last season with the Brooklyn Nets. During his tenure with the Nets, Walker averaged 9.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, primarily coming off the bench. His solid performance was especially notable from beyond the arc, where he shot an impressive 38.4%. However, his season was not without challenges; Walker was sidelined for the entire month of December due to a hamstring strain.
Given Walker’s addition to the Celtics' roster, it's speculated that this might mean the end of Oshae Brissett’s time with the team. The acquisition of Walker likely positions him as the ninth or tenth man in the rotation, providing crucial depth for Boston as they aim to defend their title.
Walker’s contract with the Celtics is an Exhibit 10 deal. This type of contract is advantageous for both the player and the team, offering a degree of flexibility. Should Walker be waived during training camp, he will be eligible for a bonus if he joins the Celtics' G League affiliate. This safety net allows the Celtics to evaluate Walker’s fit without fully committing to a guaranteed salary.
The Celtics’ preseason preparations will include a trip to Abu Dhabi for games against the Denver Nuggets. These preseason matchups will serve as critical opportunities for players like Walker to integrate into the team’s system and demonstrate their potential contributions to the season ahead.
In homecoming fashion, the Celtics will raise their 18th championship banner at the TD Garden on opening night against the New York Knicks. This ceremony will not only honor the triumphs of the past season but also set the stage for the challenges of the forthcoming campaign.
For Walker, this stint with the Celtics represents a chance to rejuvenate his career on a title-contending team. Over his six professional seasons in the NBA, Walker has made it to the playoffs twice, but he has yet to advance beyond the conference finals. Joining a team with the Celtics’ pedigree offers him an opportunity to experience deep playoff runs and contribute to a competitive roster.
Walker’s journey in the NBA has been characterized by flashes of potential and moments of adversity. His ability to shoot from long range and provide scoring off the bench gives the Celtics additional firepower. As Boston navigates the rigors of an 82-game regular season, depth players like Walker can play pivotal roles in sustaining the team’s performance across the marathon that typifies an NBA season.
As training camp looms, the Celtics’ decision-makers will be closely monitoring Walker's integration into the squad. His performance in the preseason and training sessions will be critical in determining his role and impact. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing whether Walker can seize this opportunity and become an integral part of Boston’s quest for back-to-back championships.