Lonnie Walker IV will play for the Boston Celtics in the 2024-25 NBA season, hoping to further enhance a roster that enters this season as reigning NBA Champions. Walker knows that he's going to have to raise the level of his play to be a positive contributor to the Celtics, speaking to Fadeaway World about the unparalleled expectations that come with representing the 18-time champions .
"As far as the Celtics organization, I know the expectations being here are high. We're not only trying to repeat and chase championships, we're here for greatness. I think it's harder to understand as a whole, but the organization, team, coaches, and players, have a different view. Of course, they wanna be champions but they also want to be one of the greatest teams ever."
Walker averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists last season with the Brooklyn Nets. While he could've gone to a different NBA team for a greater opportunity, Walker chose the Celtics to sharpen his skill set and be a contributor on a championship team.
We've seen him as a Playoff performer before, single-handedly winning a Playoff game for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 with a 15-point fourth-quarter barrage to bury the Golden State Warriors.
If Walker can find minutes on the competitive Celtics roster and maximizes his opportunity, he could be a bench flamethrower for the franchise who could put his career back on the right track after a few tough seasons had him settle for an end-of-the-roster role with the Celtics. Nonetheless, his talent should shine through if he has the chance to show how he can contribute.
Lonnie Walker IV Expecting G League Minutes
Earlier in the summer, Walker spoke about potentially spending time with the Celtics G League affiliate , the Maine Red Claws. A former first-round pick who's been a contributor his entire career playing in the G League sounds ludicrous, but Walker is willing to accept the challenge instead of pouting about the situation he finds himself in.
"You gotta keep it pushing. You go through times of doubt even when you feel like you deserve to be somewhere or that you're better than where you're placed to be. Your road to glory is completely different from the man next to you."
"I used to struggle with seeing players receive their moment of flowers, it's a different type of perspective. Instead of looking outward, look inward and how you can be better as a man. Sooner or later, it's gonna all come worthwhile.
"It's the mental fortitude that allows you to get to the next point. I am obviously not where I expected to be, but by the grace of God, I am not fearful of anything."
Instead of having the attitude many NBA veterans have against playing in the G League, it seems like Walker is willing to embrace that opportunity and showcase his full arsenal on a more regular basis. He'd be a star-level player in the G League, and if he can thrive there, it'll prove to organizations that he deserves better opportunities in the NBA.
The Celtics signed an undervalued free agent this summer who could easily outperform his contract if given minutes, but the Celtics' rotation is so deep that it seems tough for Walker to be a consistent rotational member unless injuries affect the franchise.
Related: 2024-25 Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup
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