Another Release! What’s Wrong with 25-Year-Old Lonnie Walker?

As the regular season approaches, the Boston Celtics have made a notable move by releasing guard Lonnie Walker, as reported by reputable journalist Shams Charania. Walker had signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics in late August, prior to the start of the new season’s training camp. At that time, there was speculation that Walker might secure a full contract and become part of the defending champion Celtics. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.

Interestingly, Walker’s release is not solely due to his performance. In the recently concluded preseason, he did not have a dismal showing. Over the course of the preseason, he experienced a mix of performances. In the first two games against the Denver Nuggets, he played only 11 minutes, shooting 0-for-6 and finishing with zero points. However, his next game against the Philadelphia 76ers showcased improvement; he played 25 minutes, shooting 4-for-7, accumulating 9 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. He continued to build on that performance in the game against the Toronto Raptors, playing 30 minutes and scoring an impressive 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting.

Despite these solid performances, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Walker’s work ethic and commitment: “From the day he arrived, Walker has been putting in the work. He is solely focused on training and understanding our style of play. He has done well and deserves recognition for it.” However, despite this praise, the Celtics ultimately decided to part ways with him.

The primary reason for Walker’s release is straightforward: the Celtics’ total salary has already surpassed the second luxury tax threshold. As a result, every signing carries significant financial implications. Keeping Walker on board would cost the Celtics approximately $2.1 million for a one-year veteran minimum deal, but they would also incur an additional luxury tax of about $8.8 million. This translates to nearly $11 million for what would essentially be a single roster spot. Given these financial considerations, the Celtics did not believe Walker was worth the cost, leading to his dismissal.

Now, Walker faces two options: he can either play for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, or return to the free-agent market in hopes of securing an opportunity with another NBA team. Based on his abilities, many observers believe he is more suited for the latter option. Notably, after Walker’s release, reports from journalists covering teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets indicated that he is deserving of a spot on an NBA roster.

Lakers fans might recall Walker's tenure with the team during the 2022-23 season when he joined on a mini mid-level exception worth $6.5 million. He made a notable impact, averaging 23.2 minutes per game and contributing 11.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, shooting 44.8% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. During the Lakers' Western Conference playoff run, Walker played a vital role, particularly in the second round, where he scored in double digits in four of five games. His standout moment came in Game 4, where he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, hitting several crucial shots that helped secure the Lakers’ victory. This performance led to memorable scenes, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis embracing Walker after the game, solidifying his status as a key contributor.

However, after that season, the Lakers opted not to retain Walker. He signed a minimum deal worth $2.35 million with the Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, his opportunities diminished there, averaging only 17.4 minutes per game with 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range.

Examining Walker's statistical profile reveals his strengths and weaknesses. He is a player who can score given the chance but does not contribute much beyond that. While he has the potential to be a scoring option off the bench, his efficiency can be inconsistent. His performance can fluctuate wildly; when he's on, he can score 20+ points, but when he's off, he often struggles to find the basket. This inconsistency in scoring can be a significant drawback, especially in a league that increasingly values versatility and the ability to contribute on both ends of the court.

Moreover, Walker has struggled with other aspects of the game, such as defense, playmaking, and basketball IQ. In today's NBA, which emphasizes versatility and two-way players, these deficiencies can be particularly detrimental. The Celtics, even without Walker, maintain a top-tier offensive efficiency, which suggests they can operate effectively without him. In fact, adding Walker to the mix could have potentially weakened their defensive capabilities.

Another crucial factor that cannot be overlooked is Walker's availability. Over the past two seasons, he missed 24 and 26 games, respectively. For a player with such a spotty attendance record, committing over $10 million can be a hard sell for any franchise. Thus, it makes sense that the Celtics decided to part ways with him.

However, the Celtics’ decision to cut ties with Walker does not mean he is without value. There are teams in need of offensive talent that could benefit from his skill set. For instance, with the departures of Bruce Brown and Reggie Jackson from the Denver Nuggets, there may be an opening for Walker to fill a scoring role. Nevertheless, expectations should remain realistic, as he is, at the end of the day, a player on a minimum contract.

It is worth noting that Walker is still only 25 years old, making him a young player with room for growth. He is a hard-working individual who has faced challenges throughout his career. Despite being waived, Walker remains confident in his abilities and is optimistic about his future.

As the NBA season unfolds, many will be watching closely to see where Walker lands next. Will he take the G League route or hold out for an opportunity in the NBA? Regardless of his choice, his story serves as a reminder of the volatility and uncertainty that often accompanies professional sports.

While Walker's journey has hit a roadblock, his talent and determination suggest that he still has the potential to carve out a successful career in the league. The hope is that he can find a team willing to give him another chance, where he can showcase his scoring abilities and contribute meaningfully. In a league filled with opportunities, the right fit could reignite his career and bring back the promise he once displayed. As fans of the game, we can only wait and see where his next chapter leads him, hoping for his successful return to the hardwood.