What can Lonnie Walker IV bring to Boston?

Out of the blue, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the information that free agent guard Lonnie Walker IV had reached an settlement with the Boston Celtics on a one-year deal. The contract is an Exhibit-10 deal which primarily is a one-year deal that isn’t assured.

It was a shock to most followers that Brad Stevens was capable of decide up this notable free agent this late into the summer time. Admittedly, I assumed Walker would signal to a group when free company opened again in June. Now, Boston has, on paper, their roster for subsequent season which is similar to final 12 months’s group with solely Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Oshae Brissett not on the group that helped Boston win the title again in June.

At solely 25 years previous, Walker has been within the NBA since 2018 after being a primary spherical draft decide by San Antonio. So, what can Lonnie Walker IV carry to Boston if he makes the group? The simplest reply is scoring. The 6’4 combo guard is thought for his scoring capacity on all three ranges. Final season in 58 video games with the Nets he averaged 9.7 factors on 42.3% capturing from the sector. He shot 38.4% from deep on 4.7 makes an attempt per recreation.

When Walker will get the ball, he’s not afraid to let it fly. Signing with Boston — the place the offense is without doubt one of the greatest within the league and the place Joe Mazzulla is all about capturing threes — this looks as if an ideal match. Walker has no hesitation when he will get the ball past the arc and if the protection is sluggish to shut out on him, he’ll make them pay.

Walker is comfy sitting within the nook and ready for the kick out. If he’s on the ground with the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis then he’ll have to hit open threes like he did right here in opposition to Orlando.

When Walker goes to assault the paint, he doesn’t essentially do it with velocity. Somewhat, he makes use of his physique extraordinarily properly and his capacity to create house by way of a step-back or just depend on his athleticism provides him clear appears to get his shot off.

Even within the recreation in opposition to the Pacers. He appears as if he’s transferring in sluggish movement however he’s efficient in what he does and will get to the road. He’s a 79.5% profession free-throw shooter, too.

Once more, Walker isn’t zooming previous his opponent however together with his wingspan and size, he’s capable of pull off photographs with out having elite velocity to blow by a defender.

Frankly, for any participant that’s signed to Boston, in the event you don’t play protection you received’t see the courtroom regardless of how good of a scorer you’re. If Walker needs his contract assured for the season, he’s going to need to show it on the defensive facet first. Walker in all probability received’t be a lockdown defender, however together with his measurement and size, he must be serviceable.

On a minimal deal, this can be a low-risk high-reward sort of signing. Walker posted this on X alluding to no group exhibiting curiosity in signing him at first of free company.

And in the event you don’t bear in mind the harm he did to us final season, listed here are some highlights of him enjoying properly in opposition to one of the best group within the league.