Lonnie Walker

Rosalie

You asked "what would be the chances that the Celtics tried to get Rob Williams back here?"

I think there is no chance that the Celtics could make a trade for RWIII.

Williams makes $12.4 million this year so in order for Boston to acquire him they would need to send out equal value. Basically they cannot take back more than they send out and since we are a 2nd Apron team you cannot aggregate (combine salaries of 2 or more players)

At this point, the only way the Celtics can add a player would be by using the Veteran minimum salary. The Celtics trade option are literally null and void.

I read that the Knicks and NOLA may be interested in RW

I knew my thoughts about Rob were a bit far off, but it is an enticing thought. I hope Knicks do not get him, that will strengthen them even more, "if he stays healthy". Wouldn't that be a kicker, having him play a full season for the one team I think will give the Celtics a run for it, other than Indy. Then there is that rumor out there about Smart getting shipped, ugh!!!

Rosalie

Now just a week out from Media Day (9/24/2024) then probably 7 or 8 days to practice followed by a trip to Abu Dhabi, UAE for a game on Oct 4th and 6th against the Nuggets.

Can you believe we are this close to the start or preseason?

Lonnie said all the rights things at media day and after their first practice.

There is a stark reality setting in for him.  Teams always like wings that can knock down shots but defense is the key to winning at the highest level.

He seemed surprised that FA did not work out as he would have liked.

Now he has to look at  himself in the mirror and understand that unless he changes he may never see another NBA check with digits anything close to what he has earned in 6 years.  Lonnie mentioned that he can score but also said that he has to be better on defense.  

Brad and CJ have told him that in no uncertain terms.  His defensive resume does not help his cause after producing negative defensive ratings in each of his previous 6 years in the NBA.  He has all the physical tools to be a good defender but does he have the mindset.  Can he think defense first?  We will find out soon enough.

I must admit that I was rather perplexed that a guy with rotation level talent was just floating around.  I understand it better now.  Every team is using key metrics analysis to help quantify value.

I wish him the best while understanding that he would have to undergo a transformative change to the way that he plays basketball to secure guaranteed money.

dboss wrote:Lonnie said all the rights things at media day and after their first practice.

There is a stark reality setting in for him.  Teams always like wings that can knock down shots but defense is the key to winning at the highest level.

He seemed surprised that FA did not work out as he would have liked.

Now he has to look at  himself in the mirror and understand that unless he changes he may never see another NBA check with digits anything close to what he has earned in 6 years.  Lonnie mentioned that he can score but also said that he has to be better on defense.  

Brad and CJ have told him that in no uncertain terms.  His defensive resume does not help his cause after producing negative defensive ratings in each of his previous 6 years in the NBA.  He has all the physical tools to be a good defender but does he have the mindset.  Can he think defense first?  We will find out soon enough.

I must admit that I was rather perplexed that a guy with rotation level talent was just floating around.  I understand it better now.  Every team is using key metrics analysis to help quantify value.

I wish him the best while understanding that he would have to undergo a transformative change to the way that he plays basketball to secure guaranteed money.

DBoss,


I posted an article on the Boston Celtics News thread (probably could have posted it on the pre-season thread but the headline was about Joe).  In fact, maybe I'll move it after this.

It talked about a drill Joe had them doing yesterday in camp.  The coaching staff put bubbles (bubble wrap?) on the rims so it was almost impossible to score.  The way you "won" is by getting steals and rebounds off the guarnteed misses.

I'd love to know how LW4 did in that scrimmage.  I'd love to know how his perspective changed from it. He's a scorer who wasn't allowed to score. He was forced to focus on his weaknesses.

I agree with Tatum, Derrick and Jrue. Joe is one crazy Mo-Fo.


Bob


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bobheckler wrote:

dboss wrote:Lonnie said all the rights things at media day and after their first practice.

There is a stark reality setting in for him.  Teams always like wings that can knock down shots but defense is the key to winning at the highest level.

He seemed surprised that FA did not work out as he would have liked.

Now he has to look at  himself in the mirror and understand that unless he changes he may never see another NBA check with digits anything close to what he has earned in 6 years.  Lonnie mentioned that he can score but also said that he has to be better on defense.  

Brad and CJ have told him that in no uncertain terms.  His defensive resume does not help his cause after producing negative defensive ratings in each of his previous 6 years in the NBA.  He has all the physical tools to be a good defender but does he have the mindset.  Can he think defense first?  We will find out soon enough.

I must admit that I was rather perplexed that a guy with rotation level talent was just floating around.  I understand it better now.  Every team is using key metrics analysis to help quantify value.

I wish him the best while understanding that he would have to undergo a transformative change to the way that he plays basketball to secure guaranteed money.

DBoss,


I posted an article on the Boston Celtics News thread (probably could have posted it on the pre-season thread but the headline was about Joe).  In fact, maybe I'll move it after this.

It talked about a drill Joe had them doing yesterday in camp.  The coaching staff put bubbles (bubble wrap?) on the rims so it was almost impossible to score.  The way you "won" is by getting steals and rebounds off the guarnteed misses.

I'd love to know how LW4 did in that scrimmage.  I'd love to know how his perspective changed from it.  He's a scorer who wasn't allowed to score.  He was forced to focus on his weaknesses.

I agree with Tatum, Derrick and Jrue.  Joe is one crazy Mo-Fo.


Bob


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Bob

That is why he always gets their attention. He always seems to look for ways to handicap his team and get them to figure out a way to overcome that handicap.

Lonnie probably called his agent and asked if going Euro is an option.

Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
yesterday
NEW @CLNSMedia -- Lonnie Walker IV today said he and the #Celtics have discussed spending some time in Maine this season. I brought up that being a possibility on @TheGardenReport earlier this month. How it would work out and the risk it would involve: clnsmedia.com/lonnie-walker-…



Bobby Manning
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
yesterday
Asked Lonnie Walker how he fits on BOS: "As far as second unit scoring, I think everyone knows that I can score, my ability to do that. I'm athletic. I have the strength and the speed to play with the best of them. So I think this year I really want to lock in on that defensive


Bob
MY NOTE:  There are often jobs for professional scorers on teams.  There aren't always minutes available for them, even on poor-to-mediocre teams.  On a Championship team, however, you MUST play defense.  Let's face it:  if Sam Hauser can learn to become an effective defender on this team, with these coaches, there's no excuse for LW4.


.

Lonnie Walker is a scoring machine, so why is he in Celtics camp on a nonguaranteed contract?


By Gary Washburn Globe Staff, Updated September 25, 2024, 7:54 p.m.




Lonnie Walker averaged 20.1 points per 36 minutes last season with the Nets.Lonnie Walker averaged 20.1 points per 36 minutes last season with the Nets.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff



He mentioned the words “Exhibit 10″ quickly and often. Lonnie Walker is in Celtics camp on a nonguaranteed contract, despite averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes last season with the Nets.

That means Walker is a scoring machine. He is only 25, a former first-round pick now with his fourth organization. But his age, athleticism, and ability to score should have enabled him to sign a guaranteed contract with an interested club.

But it didn’t. Walker is not the greatest defender, but neither is more than half the NBA. He doesn’t have a reputation as a bad teammate or difficult to coach, yet teams backed off. Players such as Svi Mykhailiuk and Patty Mills signed guaranteed deals, but free agency has become an unpredictable process for players who aren’t considered superstars, and there are a handful of quality players who have had to settle for training camp invites with only promises to play on a G League team.

That’s what Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens offered Walker, and he accepted, hoping to make a strong enough impression to earn the final open roster spot and mesh into the franchise’s championship chemistry.


“My free agency hasn’t gone as planned,” Walker said Wednesday. “Brad Stevens is giving me an opportunity with the E-10 to prove myself and show my capabilities offensively and defensively, off the court, being a great teammate. I’m just really excited and grateful to be here.”

Walker may need the Celtics more than they need him, but they do need him. For years, Boston has lacked a prolific scorer when Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are on the bench. Walker, at 6 feet 4 inches and rangy, can fill that role.

“Since the womb, my pacifier was a basketball,” Walker said. “My dad would tell you if I threw the ball [away], I would straight up cry and tear up. If I had the ball, I was quiet, you wasn’t going to hear from me for the rest of the day.”

Walker’s ability to score in bunches — he averaged 13 points in 16 minutes per game last season against the Celtics — may have damaged his overall reputation because he’s never been considered a plus defender despite the ability to make an impact on that side of the floor. The Celtics want Walker to show he can defend. They want him to pay more attention to defense, and he has about three weeks to do so.


“I’ve always been a guy to get buckets, it’s second nature at this point,” he said. “But as you get older, especially in the league, everyone’s a McDonald’s All-American. Everyone has whatever accolades you might have, so being able to score is just one way [to contribute]. You want to find ways to be a better player on multiple aspects of the game rather than, ‘He just scores. What else does he bring to the table?’ So I’m really trying to show and prove myself and show to the world that I’m more than just a scorer.

“I think I have the strength and the speed to play with the best of them, so I think this year I want to lock in on the defensive side and show everyone that I can play defense.”

Still, there really isn’t a good reason for Walker to be on an Exhibit 10 contract. There are plenty of players with serious limitations that sign guaranteed deals, but Walker is athletic, has upside, and hasn’t been in a stable situation since his days with the Spurs.

“I wish I had a clear-cut answer as to why I didn’t get a guaranteed deal, but that’s the way the cards have fallen,” he said. “As a man, good, bad or ugly, you have to accept what fate has given and continue to push. I’m not going to stop or put my head down because I am not given what I expected. I always say it’s on God’s time and not on my time. Until then, continue to pound the rock.”


Walker has dealt with his share of adversity. During his second year in San Antonio, he revealed he was the victim of childhood sexual abuse.

The Spurs basically allowed him to sign elsewhere after his contract expired in 2022. He averaged 11.7 points as a part-time starter for the Lakers but got caught up in the Los Angeles chaos and then signed with the Nets before last season, playing on a team headed nowhere.

But Walker harbors no bitterness. He just seeks an opportunity in a stable environment. Boston can provide that play, but it’s up to Walker to meet the organization halfway, to make it a cinch decision to occupy that final roster spot, to give the Celtics an offensive bench boost they have lacked.

“I’ve got to earn it,” Walker said. “I’ve got to work my tail off. [Stevens] also mentioned the possibility that I might spend some time in the G League with Maine, and honestly I’m perfectly fine with that because as a man, you have to take it on the chin. I’m mentally prepared for almost any outcome that may pop up. I embrace every journey. I’ve been through it all as far as my upbringing, and since I’ve been in the league there’s been ups and downs. I’m really laying it all out on the court and whatever happens as a man, I can tip my hat and say, ‘Hey, I gave it the best I can.’ ”


Bob
MY NOTE:  I know that Brad really wants to keep that 15th spot open just in case we have a serious injury he has the place to sign someone for that position, but you want proven veterans and LW4 is that.  I posted an article about Joe putting bubbles on the rim so they couldn't score, they had to defend, steal and rebound instead.  Walker needs to focus 100% on defense and passing the rock to create open shots for others because he has nothing to prove as a scorer.

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Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
about 1 hour ago
The biggest hurdle by far to Walker making #Celtics is the $10M tax hit. Not sure there’s much he can do to overcome that. On BOS’ end, they’ll have to weigh how likely it is another team signs him & whether or not he’s the best option that’ll become available for the 15th spot.


Bob
MY NOTE:  I don't suppose we could trade Scheierman for a pick to offset the cost of Walker's contract as well as open up a 2nd spot for later?  Sorry, but I'm souring on Scheierman.  He's looking like "Doug McBuckets", who isn't fast or strong enough to play in the NBA either.


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He has showed me nothing, and soon will be on his way to Maine. I do not know enouh about him to say, "ship him out" but I could see him fast losing Joe's confidence in thowing him in there. Where is that "shot" he was supposedly so good at? The one thing that Fosberg pointed out last night is that if you send Walker to Maine, he will be scooped up alost imediately. I do not know how someone didn't sign this guy

Baylor needs a lot of reps so Maine would be a good option.

I have been watching him shoot and badly miss wide open shots.  His shot is not pretty.  The college 3 point line is shorter.  He has not adjusted to the NBA range.

He needs a full time shooting coach.

No question Walker can help us a lot more than Scheierman right now. Walker is a proven commodity. I’d put him on our roster and let the rook get reps at Maine.

Bob
MY NOTE:  A decision has to be made about Lonnie Walker IV by 5pm (presumably EDT) tomorrow.  I know GMs aren't inclined to help the best team in the league get even better but this is why you get paid the Big Bucks, Brad.  Time to pull one more rabbit out of that hat.






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Cameron Tabatabaie
@CTabatabaie
Celtics waive guard Lonnie Walker IV, per Shams

Could still end up in Maine


Bob
MY NOTE:  shite.  Scheierman better turn into something...


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Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
about 6 minutes ago
I’d keep an eye on the #Knicks, who lost Landry Shamet to injury, in the Walker market. They have TJ Warren on an E10, but Walker is a better 3PT shooter.



Bobby Manning
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
about 10 minutes ago
Lonnie Walker can join Maine for some amount of time and receive a bonus or pursue other NBA opportunities. He told me earlier this training camp he was willing to begin the year in the G-League, as he didn’t have other NBA opportunities over the summer.


Bob


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Someone will take a flyer on this guy, too bad. Our rookie is going to spend a ton of time in Maine, he has alot to learn

I would have taken him over Springer or either rookie. Springer has yet to show he can make an impact on the offensive end at this level. Hopefully he shows something, I was loving Walker’s scoring potential off the bench 🥲

Management must also love Jordan Walsh’s development, as do I

My feeling is that Springer is riding on the edge, and could be gone soon. It appears to me that he could go the way of Grant, not getting the playing time at all. He just does not seem to have Joe's confidence. I think there are other shoes to drop early in the season

Heck, I would have given Peterson a shot before those 3 guys, there is more going on here.

No surprise that Walker was dropped. Surprise was that they brought him in at all.
It’s not that he isn’t a decent player, he is… on offense. A player who can’t defend and carries just enough of a contract obligation that could squeeze a well rounded sub out makes no sense for the Celtics. Under the newest CBA, and possibly new ownership, the team will be looking to lighten up further next season. Walker would be exactly the type of luxury off the deep end of the bench the team can’t carry.
Hopefully for him he gets a shot somewhere with a team carrying a lighter payroll.

gyso wrote:I don't expect the Celtics to fill the 15th roster spot until much later in the season.  The vet min contract is prorated, meaning that the salary his is based on the percent of the season remains when the contract is signed.

For instance, if the contract is signed with 41 games to go (half of 82), the cost is half of the yearly amount.  With the 2nd apron penalties (3.75x), that's a good bit to save.  I read elsewhere that if we did sign Walker now, the 2nd apron penalty would jump even higher (4.25x comes to mind, but I may be slightly off).

Either way, the cost, need and fit may be better defined later on in the season.

Makes sense, we have the amazing luxury of having too many good players, which is such a blessing having gone thru the Dino Radja years. I was amazed how well this kid Peterson was shooting and scoring, no idea what we are gonna do with him? Walsh is so coming on as a 2 way player, PP and Sam will be better, as will Tillman and Queta. J’s will be better at leading and making winning plays.

cowens/oldschool wrote:

gyso wrote:I don't expect the Celtics to fill the 15th roster spot until much later in the season.  The vet min contract is prorated, meaning that the salary his is based on the percent of the season remains when the contract is signed.

For instance, if the contract is signed with 41 games to go (half of 82), the cost is half of the yearly amount.  With the 2nd apron penalties (3.75x), that's a good bit to save.  I read elsewhere that if we did sign Walker now, the 2nd apron penalty would jump even higher (4.25x comes to mind, but I may be slightly off).

Either way, the cost, need and fit may be better defined later on in the season.

Makes sense, we have the amazing luxury of having too many good players, which is such a blessing having gone thru the Dino Radja years. I was amazed how well this kid Peterson was shooting and scoring, no idea what we are gonna do with him? Walsh is so coming on as a 2 way player, PP and Sam will be better, as will Tillman and Queta. J’s will be better at leading and making winning plays.

I agree too bad we couldn't keep Lonnie, his scoring ability is definitely NBA level. I was hoping we could trade Springer's contract and keep Lonnie, but its very tough with the salary cap restrictions.

Celtics17 wrote:

cowens/oldschool wrote:

gyso wrote:I don't expect the Celtics to fill the 15th roster spot until much later in the season.  The vet min contract is prorated, meaning that the salary his is based on the percent of the season remains when the contract is signed.

For instance, if the contract is signed with 41 games to go (half of 82), the cost is half of the yearly amount.  With the 2nd apron penalties (3.75x), that's a good bit to save.  I read elsewhere that if we did sign Walker now, the 2nd apron penalty would jump even higher (4.25x comes to mind, but I may be slightly off).

Either way, the cost, need and fit may be better defined later on in the season.

Makes sense, we have the amazing luxury of having too many good players, which is such a blessing having gone thru the Dino Radja years. I was amazed how well this kid Peterson was shooting and scoring, no idea what we are gonna do with him? Walsh is so coming on as a 2 way player, PP and Sam will be better, as will Tillman and Queta. J’s will be better at leading and making winning plays.

I agree too bad we couldn't keep Lonnie, his scoring ability is definitely NBA level. I was hoping we could trade Springer's contract and keep Lonnie, but its very tough with the salary cap restrictions.

Yeah I would have done it, in certain match ups or if DWhite or Jrue need to take a few games off, you know Walker has real I think I can say potent scoring ability. Springer is a combo guard that has yet to find an offensive role IMHO. There are so many teams with injury and depth issues, he can help someone.