A strong preseason is not enough. Even being the 18th overall draft pick does not guarantee a long career in the NBA. Lonnie Walker IV is headed to the Euroleague! The hooper will sign a contract with Zalgiris Kaunas, as reported by Shams Charania. This 25-year-old has only played 6 seasons in the NBA with averages of 9.8 points in 20.3 minutes per game. And since Lonnie played 6 seasons, according to the veteran minimum pay scale, he’s eligible for a $2.6 million contract. Contrary to most expectations, considering his top skill, the former LA Lakers guard had signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Boston Celtics in August.

After which, he appeared in 4 of Boston’s 5 preseason matchups, averaging 7.3 points and 2.5 assists in 16.4 minutes per game. Before the season began, however, the Celtics waived Lonnie Walker IV. According to John Karalis from Boston Sports Journal, the hooper has chosen not to accept an assignment to the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.

Given their limited payroll options, Boston had signed Lonnie Walker IV to an Exhibit 10 contract with the hope of eventually making it to the 15-man roster. Walker, ultimately held back, feeling overqualified for a spot in the G League and frustrated by the perception of him as just a fringe NBA player. Naturally, he started to look elsewhere, for a prime stage to prove himself in a lead role.

With most NBA rosters set for the season, Zalgiris Kaunas came forward with a highly appealing offer that few EuroLeague teams could match: a strong financial deal, a key role to fill a projected go-to player’s spot, and an NBA buyout clause valid until February 18.

Fans regret Celtics’ stringent move, as Lonnie Walker IV wants more than just being an off-the-bench player

Reacting to this news, several fans were heartbroken. One user commented, on Instagram, “How is shake milton in the league and lonnie walker not *crying emoji*”. Shake Milton is from the same draft class as Lonnie Walker IV and was the 54th overall pick in the second round. Currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets, the hooper has worse stats than the former Celt!

Another netizen commented, “How Brony getting a spot and this guy Is out the league?? Thats crazy”. Walker has played for the Lakers for the 2022-23 season. Only a year and a half ago, he dropped 15 points in the fourth quarter, lifting the LA side past the Warriors and propelling them toward the Western Conference Finals. In his sole Lakers season, he registered 11.7 points on 44.8% shooting from the field across 56 games, not bad at all!

Another user said “Nahh bro. That’s unreal. He could easily be a rotation peace of a contender,” his numbers were solid for a rotation player. While playing for the Nets, he had eight 20-point performances off the bench. Also, with the minimum contract, he’d be a steal!

Another user commented, “Bro is like a starting caliber player on a lot of teams this is crazy”. Despite Walker IV’s strong finish in the Celtics’ preseason and the fact that he’s arguably more skilled than a few players currently on their main roster, the hooper faced an uphill battle. Lonnie’s athleticism and transition game is pretty good. The NBA’s strict CBA rules have shifted how teams manage their roster slots. For Boston, in particular, there was hesitation about adding more weight to their already substantial luxury tax bill.

“Lonnie deserves so much better than this, ” said another netizen. 2018’s 18th overall draft pick certainly does deserve better. He certainly feels with greater responsibility in the EuroLeague and a guaranteed roster, he could develop faster. Who knows, if he does well in the Euroleague, he can be back in the NBA, just like Guerschon Yabusele! The Frenchman played for the Celtics, moved to France, and was signed back by the Philadelphia 76ers, after his stunning performance in the Olympics.

Questions still linger about how he’ll adjust to the EuroLeague’s meticulous style, tighter courts, and different game dynamics, especially since he missed their preseason and will join the Lithuanian club after they’ve played 6 matches.

Predictions? What do you think about Lonnie Walker IV’s decision?