Lonnie Walker doesn’t mind playing in G-League with Celtics

Lonnie Walker doesn’t mind playing in G-League with Celtics

One of the most recent signings across the NBA was Lonnie Walker, the best available free agent at the time, signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the reigning-champion Boston Celtics.

Yes, you read that correctly. Walker, who’s averaged 11.2 points on 42.3/35.2/80.7 splits the last four seasons, didn’t sign a guaranteed contract. Instead, he signed a one-year, non-guaranteed training camp deal with an optional worth up to approximately $78K. Walker signing an Exhibit 10 also leaves the risk of him getting waived ahead of the 2024-25 season, where his rights would be retained by the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G-League affiliate.

When asked during media day about the possibility of playing with Maine, the 25-year-old appeared open to any outcome.

“[Celtics president Brad Stevens] mentioned there’s a possibility that I might spend some time in the G-League with Maine, and honestly, I’m perfectly fine with that,” he told reporters this week. “As a man, you have to take it in the chin. You got to continue to work, continue to be prepared and just keep being ready. I’m mentally prepared for any outcome that may pop up.

“I’ve got to earn (a roster spot). There’s a lot of different aspects that might carry on to it. But being on an E10–it’s not guaranteed. I’m not coming here with the mindset of, ‘I’m on an E10, and then afterwards, I’m going to get the guaranteed contract.’ I’ve got to work my tail off. I have to–each and every day–put it all out on the court. First one in the gym, hopefully the last one out.”

Walker was on a minimum contract with the Brooklyn Nets last year after making over $18 million over his first five NBA seasons, so this is a big bet on himself.

He has the perfect frame of mind, even though I still don’t understand why he didn’t earn a guaranteed contract. As it turns out, he didn’t either.

“I wish I had a clear-cut answer for that as to why I didn’t get a guaranteed deal,” Walker said, according to Souichi Terada of masslive.com. “But it’s just the way the cards fall. As a man — good, bad or ugly — you got to accept what fate is given and continue to push. I’m not going to stop or put my head down because I’m not given what I expected. I always say it’s always on God’s time and not on my time. And so until then, continue to pound the rock every day.”

Walker averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game with the Nets last season, shooting 42.3 percent from the floor, 38.4 percent from 3-point range (4.7 3PA) and 76.3 percent from the free-throw line.

The Celtics currently don’t have a two-way spot available, with J.D. Davison, Drew Peterson and rookie Anton Watson allocating for those three spots. The Celtics still have an open roster spot, which Dmytro Skapintsev, Tristan Enaruna and Ron Harper Jr. will also be competing for, along with Walker. Whether any of those players will make the roster is a completely separate question, given the Celtics’ tax situation.

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