The Boston Celtics didn’t stop after adding new talent on draft night. Team president Brad Stevens remained vigilant, looking for ways to strengthen the reigning champions’ depth ahead of Opening Night on Oct. 22. This led to the signing of guard Lonnie Walker IV.
Walker, a four-year NBA veteran, inked an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics, giving him a chance to earn a roster spot during training camp, which starts on Sept. 24. At 6-foot-4, Walker brings the potential for a spark off the bench, boasting a career 35.6% shooting from beyond the arc and an ability to drive to the basket. He is best remembered for his 15-point performance in 27 minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers during the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors last season.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged Walker’s potential to contribute, but emphasized that it won’t be enough to guarantee him a spot.
“He’s been in the league for a while and has a lot of game experience,” Mazzulla told Steve Aschburner of NBA.com. “He can score and make an impact on defense. But ultimately, it’s not about who you are — we want players who work hard, pay attention to details, and embrace their role for the team.”
The Celtics moved on from Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk, creating an opportunity for Lonnie Walker IV to showcase his improved skill set as Boston gears up to raise its 18th championship banner and begin its title defense. However, as head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized, no roster spot will be given freely—Walker will need to earn it.
Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Walker averaged 9.7 points per game and shot an impressive 42.3% from beyond the arc, well above the league average of 36.6%. With less than two weeks until training camp, Walker is set to make his case and prove his value to Mazzulla and the Celtics.
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