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 basically is a one-year deal that isn’t assured.

It was a shock to most followers that Brad Stevens was capable of choose up this notable free agent this late into the summer time. Admittedly, I assumed Walker would signal to a workforce when free company opened again in June. Now, Boston has, on paper, their roster for subsequent season which is similar to final yr’s workforce with solely Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Oshae Brissett not on the workforce 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 choose by San Antonio. So, what can Lonnie Walker IV convey to Boston if he makes the workforce? The simplest reply is scoring. The 6’4 combo guard is thought for his scoring skill on all three ranges. Final season in 58 video games with the Nets he averaged 9.7 factors on 42.3% taking pictures from the sector. He shot 38.4% from deep on 4.7 makes an attempt per sport.

When Walker will get the ball, he’s not afraid to let it fly. Signing with Boston — the place the offense is among the finest within the league and the place Joe Mazzulla is all about taking pictures threes — this looks like 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 snug 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 must 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. Moderately, he makes use of his physique extraordinarily nicely and his skill to create house through a step-back or just depend on his athleticism offers him clear appears to be like to get his shot off.

Even within the sport in opposition to the Pacers. He appears to be like 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 gained’t see the courtroom regardless of how good of a scorer you’re. If Walker desires his contract assured for the season, he’s going to must show it on the defensive aspect first. Walker most likely gained’t be a lockdown defender, however together with his measurement and size, he needs to be serviceable.

On a minimal deal, it is a low-risk high-reward sort of signing. Walker posted this on X alluding to no workforce exhibiting curiosity in signing him at the beginning of free company.

And in the event you don’t keep in mind the injury he did to us final season, listed here are some highlights of him taking part in nicely in opposition to the most effective workforce within the league.