One-Time Celtics Guard Eyes NBA Return—But Does He Deserve Another Chance?

In the world of professional basketball, it’s not uncommon to see players take their talents abroad after falling out of the NBA. For many, playing overseas becomes a last-chance opportunity to showcase their skills in the hopes of securing a return to the NBA. This is exactly the scenario former Boston Celtics guard Lonnie Walker IV finds himself in. After being cut just before the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season, Walker quickly pivoted to the Euroleague, joining the prestigious Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania.

Early Struggles, But Strong Comeback

After missing the start of the season due to an ankle injury, Walker IV has made an impressive comeback over the past eight games. He now leads Zalgiris in scoring with an average of 16.9 points per game, showing that he hasn’t lost a step. What’s even more impressive is his accuracy from behind the arc. Walker is shooting a stellar 44.9% from three-point range, which is certainly catching the eye of NBA scouts and executives alike.

His overall performance on the court has been nothing short of exceptional. With a Performance Index Rating (PIR) of 13.1, Walker IV shares the team lead in that category, further solidifying his status as the player to watch. While playing overseas isn’t always seen as a direct path back to the NBA, the way Walker is dominating in Europe could very well open the door for a return to the NBA—perhaps even before the current season ends.

An NBA Comeback Could Be Closer Than It Appears

Given the number of injuries that have plagued NBA rosters this season, there could be a scenario in which Walker IV finds his way back to the league sooner rather than later. With his scoring ability and improved shooting, there’s a clear market for a player with Walker’s skillset, particularly in a league that is increasingly reliant on the three-point shot.

Even if a midseason NBA return doesn’t materialize, Walker’s impressive play in the Euroleague puts him in a strong position for the upcoming NBA season. It’s entirely plausible that a team, especially one in need of shooting depth or bench scoring, could offer him a contract next year.

A Career Rebuilt with the Lakers, Nets, and Celtics

Walker IV has already shown that he can perform in the NBA. His time with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-2023 was a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure. Coming off the bench for the Lakers, he averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Notably, Walker stepped up in critical moments for the Lakers during their playoff run, proving he could be a dependable contributor in high-stakes situations.

After his stint with the Lakers, Walker signed with the Brooklyn Nets for the 2023-2024 season. Though his role with Brooklyn wasn’t as prominent, he still averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His shooting percentage of 42.3% from the field marked an improvement, underscoring his potential as a solid offensive option for any team.

Despite his contributions, the Nets opted not to extend Walker’s contract, which led him to the Celtics. The Celtics offered him an Exhibit 10 contract, allowing Walker to compete for a spot on their regular-season roster. Unfortunately, despite impressing the team during training camp, Walker was waived right before the start of the season—a surprising and somewhat puzzling move given his talent.

The Road to Recovery and Consistency

Now, as Walker works to continue his strong performance in the Euroleague, staying healthy will be paramount. After suffering the ankle injury earlier this season, Walker cannot afford to miss any more time away from the court if he hopes to build momentum for a return to the NBA. Fortunately, he has shown resilience and determination, which will be key factors in his continued success.

For now, Walker’s focus is on showcasing his abilities with Zalgiris Kaunas and staying sharp for the inevitable NBA opportunity that awaits. Fans of the guard are hopeful that, in time, the 24-year-old will find his way back to the NBA, where he can continue to show what he’s capable of in the world’s premier basketball league.

Conclusion: The NBA’s Loss Could Be Its Gain

Lonnie Walker IV may have found himself in an unexpected place this season, but his journey is far from over. His performance in the Euroleague has proven that he still has the talent and drive to be an impactful NBA player. With his shooting ability, athleticism, and resilience, Walker is proving to the world that he is far from finished. Whether it’s a return this season or next, the NBA should take notice of the “former Celtic” as he fights to earn his way back to where he truly belongs.