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By Trevor Hass
In late June, a day before NBA free agency began in earnest, Lonnie Walker IV found him still unsigned.
Walker, a former first-round pick who’s averaged 9.8 points over six seasons in the league, took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the matter.
“I ain’t even reach my prime yet,” Walker, 25, wrote. “Yall gonna see soon. The apology better be just as loud as the disrespect.”
I ain’t even reach my prime yet 😅 yall gonna see soon. The apology better be just as loud as the disrespect
— Lonnie Walker IV (@lonniewalker_4) June 29, 2024
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Walker agreed to a one-year deal with the Celtics.
Walker, who shot 38.4 percent from 3-point range over 58 games for the Nets last season, posted once again Thursday to express his emotions.
“Mental fortitude – ‘is the ability to have strength in the face of adversity. When you’re knocked down, go get back up and fight,'” he wrote.
Walker encouraged “all the underdogs out there” to not give up or lose hope.
“Enjoy the grind, the process, and enjoy the chapter you are in,” Walker wrote. “Sometimes life is going great, and sometimes you have to reach the bottom to pick yourself back up. But that’s the beauty in it all.”
Free agent G Lonnie Walker IV has agreed on a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics, his agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group tells ESPN. Walker IV averaged 9.7 points and shot 38% on three-pointers in 58 games for Brooklyn last season. pic.twitter.com/uAvrtsIQkD
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 29, 2024
Walker noted that everyone’s process will be different, and each individual’s journey will only continue to get better with discipline and consistency.
“Remember your hardest battle is yourself,” Walker said. “Thanks to everyone who congratulated me but the job is far from finished. I’m excited for what’s yet to become.”
Walker’s spot on the roster isn’t guaranteed, but it does appear likely he’ll have a prime opportunity ahead of him. The Celtics could use some more shooting athleticism off the bench to complement Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, and Walker could certainly fill that role.
Trevor Hass is a sports producer for Boston.com, where he writes and edits stories about Boston's professional teams, among other tasks.
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