With a nearly $70 million luxury tax bill, the Boston Celtics still managed to sign a player. It’s not the defending champions need any upgrades to their roster. Their starting lineup is arguably the most accomplished in the NBA today. But in trying to defend their title, some changes have to be made. So the Celtics got their hands on someone who has shocked some media veterans.

The newest member, or at least a part of the camp is Lonnie Walker IV. The folks over on the Celtics Beat show couldn’t believe how no other team offered a contract to the athletic guard. The bigger question though was why the Celtics? They have a stacked roster with virtually no room for another rotation piece. However, the 82-game season is long, and Steve Bulpett believes the 18-time champions have signed him as “insurance”.

“Realize this. If Lonnie Walker were better, more interested defensively, he wouldn’tbe available to the Celtics for an Exhibit 10 contract. So he’s got to alter his thinking there and buy in and all those fun things. He’s there as a pretty nice insurance policy. If one of the wings gets hurt. If there is some kind of injury there and he’s around, he’s in the fold ready to go. It’s a no-brainer move. I am kind of surprised and I’m not sure whether other options were available to him. But I am kind of surprised that he would take an Exhibit 10 from the Celtics,” Bulpett explained.

Just 25 years old, Walker played for the Brooklyn Nets last season on a $2 million contract. From the tangibles, his shooting number stood out, creating his appeal within the Celtics front office. But they haven’t incorporated him yet. The franchise has offered him an Exhibit 10 contract allowing them to evaluate his fit until the season starts.

His decision came amidst there being some news about a reunion with Greg Popovich in San Antonio. Walker had an encouraging few years with the franchise, at his peak averaging 12.1 points in 2021-22.

Lonnie Walker IV might go full throttle with the Celtics

Before admitting his surprise over Walker signing an Exhibit 10 contract, Bulpett also noted some vital changes the budding guard will have to make. He hinted how a conscious inclination toward playing defense would have rampantly increased his value in the league. In the first few years, maybe Lonnie Walker IV looked to carve his image by being an exhilarating scoring wing.

But since last season his mentality has seen a drastic switch. Being on a minimum contract last season motivated him to play with a chip on his shoulder. Walker wanted to make the most of the opportunities he got. Why? To finally call a team his home.

“I’m on a minimum, so I carry that weight on my shoulders as far as finding a home, playing the right way, and continuing to get better. Everyday I’m trying to stay consistent. I wake up, I meditate, I read, I do this. I’m not trying to skip no steps. I’m not worried about awards and accolades… Right now I’m locked in trying to find that forever home,” said Walker.

Considering the Celtics’ heavy reliance on three-point shooting and a requirement to play suffocating defense, Walker fits the canvas. He has a 6’10” wing span and is rapid across the floor. Not only can he shoot the lights out on any given day, but if immersed in the culture, he could become a terrifying defensive force to deal with.