In an effort to become the first team to win consecutive NBA titles since the 2017–18 Warriors, the Celtics are largely depending on continuity. Lonnie Walker IV, one of the recent arrivals, might support that cause, nevertheless.
Assuming the former first-round pick secures a position on Boston’s roster. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract when he joined the defending champs, thus he is battling to have his deal turned into a conventional contract.
To be really honest, I was hoping to earn a guaranteed contract or something like going into the summer. Walker said to the Boston Celtics on SI, “I think I deserved that.
Never is it on your schedule. God’s timing is followed. Thus, I didn’t really have any expectations. I entrust everything to God. I’m going to give it my all on the court each and every day, no matter what happens, the cards fall.
However, I don’t worry too much about the things that are beyond of my control most of the time. I have the power to be the best version of myself for my teammates while I’m on the court. The opportunity and the preparation must eventually coincide.”
Walker had 17.4 minutes of floor time per game while playing 58 games with the Nets last season, averaging 9.7 points and making 38.4% of his 4.7 three-pointers. In addition, NBA.com reports that he shot 39.6 percent on catch-and-shoot threes and 44.4 percent from the field during the 2023–24 campaign.
However, the six-year veteran is keen to demonstrate his versatility as a player in addition to his ability to score points, given the abundance of offensive tools available to the Celtics.
“We’ve got JB, you got JT, you got KP, you got a plethora of great offensive players, so how can you implement yourself as far as rebounding, defensive tenacity, being tenacious on the defensive side, so I’m really just trying my best to mimic how Jrue (Holiday) and Derrick (White) play the game,” he said following the team’s inaugural training camp workout.
Following Sunday’s practice, White told the Boston Celtics on SI the following regarding Walker adjusting to their system and learning what is expected of him.
“Amazing athlete. “A guy who wants to grow and learn,” White remarked of his former colleague on the Spurs. “Every day, (he) has a positive attitude. When he enters, he is learning and competing, and it has been pleasant to get back in touch with him as in the past.”
Al Horford responded to reporters when they were asked how important it would be to have a few fresh faces to assist in the hunt for Banner 19: “(With) the way that they prepare, it’s just a matter of time before they get their chance and they show what they can do.”
Walker’s willingness to suit up for the Celtics’ G League affiliate in Maine if necessary may be hindered by the team’s $196.6 million payroll and $7.6 million over the second-half salary. Nevertheless, the six-foot-four guard expressed earlier this week that he is open to playing for the team on opening night.
“To be honest, I’m totally cool with that,” said the former Miami Hurricane. “As a guy, you’ve got to take it in the chin; you’ve got to continue to work; you’ve got to continue to be prepared and just be ready. I believe my mind is ready for practically every situation that could arise.”
Walker’s first opportunity to establish himself as a valuable member of the team in real game action may not be far off, though, as the Celtics prepare to travel to Abu Dhabi for a two-game duel against the Nuggets at Etihad Arena on October 4 and 6.
His contributions are well-known to Boston and the other teams in the league. But the preseason, beginning with those two games against Denver, is his opportunity to convince a team—the Celtics or any of the other 29 members of the Association—to sign him to a regular contract.