Following a record 18th title conquest, the Boston Celtics are returning with the same core. They have committed exorbitant funds to ensure their marquee stars return. But as it comes with back-to-back hopes, the franchise did add some minor components to enhance their successful schemes. The standout though has been Lonnie Walker, who the Shamrocks roped to a one-year contract after offering him an Exhibit 10.

“He’s a guy that was very excited to be here,” Brad Stevens, the GM of the Celtics said. As much as Joe Mazzulla propelled Boston to a title, Stevens deserves a lion’s share of the credit. He not only assembled the various pieces on the board but took the vital decision of keeping the promising tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together despite the naysay of the critics. Sadly, he never got the possession of the coveted Larry O’Brien in the summer.

Instead, though he focused his mind on finding the right players to sharpen the Celtics as they gear up to defend their title. Likewise, Walker seemed to be the ideal fit. The 25-year-old is a sublime athlete who with his explosiveness can contribute greatly to the Celtics’ insufferable backcourt defense.

Despite having never played with the Celtics, he has a working relationship with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Having worked out with them in the past, the existing synergy can aid well in building chemistry with the team. The youthful guard can also pick their brains in realizing his defensive upside apart from his thunderous three-point shooting.

Stevens is among the guys eager to find the feasibility of having Lonnie Walker in the rotations. He plays with an edge and has devoted himself to buying into the Celtics culture. Over the past campaign with Brooklyn, he turned out to be a bubbling bench scorer, averaging 10 points in merely 17 minutes. However, with him working out with Holiday in particular and his dedication to Boston, the aim is to transform his defensive game.

Boasting a 6’10” wingspan, the potential is limitless. Walker displayed a trailer of it in the past season. He attacks closeouts and can generate multiple steals. And in the short time with the Celtics, he has shown his willingness.

“There was an eagerness to be around those guys and to try a new situation. He’s obviously got a lot of talent. He’s done a lot of good things in the NBA,” Stevens said of him. With an elevated role on a contending team, Walker’s aim is to find his home.

Lonnie Walker IV will hope Boston turns into a forever home

As far as reputation goes, Walker is seen as a sporadic scorer. In his stints with the Lakers and Nets, he showcased the ability to put the ball in the Net. However, the glaring hole was his defensive effort. Amid last season when his minutes were reduced, the Nets interim HC Kevin Ollie cited his single-minded nature being the reason.

“I keep telling him it’s not all just about scoring, it’s about doing all the other little things: playing defense, rebounding, making the right plays,” he said in a press conference.

Since then though, not only has his character changed, but Walker is eager to mark his territory. Still young and hungry for success, his motivation lies in winning. A byproduct of that is his willingness to do whatever it takes to do so. When he was in contention for 6MOTY before his injury, the former Laker stressed simply ‘staying consistent’.

His aim isn’t to have large scoring spurts nor is it to be on a highlight reel. Lonnie Walker IV wants to win. With the Shamrocks, he is in a position to do so while making a tremendous impact if he fully commits himself to it. The tangibles say he can be a marvelous fit within the roster.

And with his current mindset to embrace the journey, Lonnie Walker IV will aim to carve a place within the Celtics. In the years to come once Jrue Holiday eventually calls it a day, Walker can be a fitting replacement. He has the curiosity to learn and shares a solid bond with the veteran defensive expert.

If he plays his cards right, Walker can have a bright future in Boston. Would you like to see him wearing the Celtics jersey in the future?