This AI encapsulation, What Can Lonnie Walker IV Bring to the Celtics?: Film Session, is pulled with permission from this video by Nik Land.
The Boston Celtics recently signed Lonnie Walker IV to an Exhibit 10 Training Camp deal. Last season, Walker averaged a solid 10 points per game and shot an impressive 38% from beyond the arc. Despite this success, there are ongoing debates about whether he’ll make the final roster or be waived. However, signing a proven NBA player like Walker as an end-of-bench option represents a low-risk, high-reward decision for the Celtics.
What Can Lonnie Walker IV Bring to the Celtics: Why Lonnie Walker IV is Underrated
Walker’s current contract situation is puzzling to many, especially considering his performance last season. His shooting abilities and athleticism make him a valuable asset, but somehow he’s on a minimal deal. This raises questions about why a player of his caliber isn’t securing more stable and lucrative contracts in the NBA.
Lonnie Walker’s Offensive Skills
Scoring Ability
If you’ve watched Walker throughout his career, you’ll know he’s a pure scorer. One of the first examples from last season highlights his playmaking ability. While not known as a passer, Walker shows awareness and aggressiveness that allows him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Pick-and-Roll Mastery
Walker’s efficiency in the pick-and-roll is another key aspect of his game. He can manipulate defenders and score with ease, often using ghost screens and pull-up jumpers. Last season, he took 231 of his 492 shot attempts from the center of the court, converting on 45% of those attempts.
Three-Point Shooting
Equally potent from beyond the arc, Walker has shown remarkable improvement as a three-point shooter. He shot 43.7% on catch-and-shoot threes last season—a significant upgrade and a skill that will be invaluable to any playoff-contending team.
Athleticism: A Fundamental Attribute
Walker’s athletic prowess has always been one of his defining traits. Averaging nine drives per 75 possessions and shooting 58% at The Rim, his ability to finish over and through defenders is commendable. Even against towering players like Kristaps Porzingis, Walker demonstrates remarkable body control and strength.
Defensive Capabilities
Potential for Growth
Last season was arguably Walker’s least impactful defensively. However, his athleticism provides room for significant improvement. Joining a team with a strong defensive culture could rejuvenate his abilities on that end of the floor. His quickness and length enable him to be a defensive playmaker, often getting steals and chasing down blocks.
Diagnostic Skills
Walker also has a knack for reading plays and intercepting passes, showcasing his potential as a defensive contributor. His previous seasons in San Antonio reflect more solid defensive ratings, indicating that his current performance may be more about the teams he’s played on rather than his abilities.
Conclusion: High Reward, Low Risk
The signing of Lonnie Walker IV by the Boston Celtics appears to be a strategic move with very little downside. Should Walker make the team, his versatility and scoring capabilities will add depth to the Celtics’ bench. Given his potential and proven track record, there’s every reason to believe that Walker could become an invaluable asset to the Celtics this season.
