Inside The Nets

Lonnie Walker IV Will Keep Battling Through His Injuries to Help the Nets

Despite persistent knee soreness, Walker remains a crucial asset for the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing resilience and determination on the court.

Peter Sunjic

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Lonnie Walker IV has been contending with a persistent knee issue throughout the ongoing 2023/24 season, but he has consistently returned to the court, demonstrating resilience and determination. This was most apparent during the win against the Washington Wizards when Lonnie walked back to the locker room but he eventually came back and returned to the game.

Walker is unfazed by his current challenges, confident in his ability to play in upcoming games, and the Nets' training staff appears supportive of his decision to persevere, allowing him to continue on the court.

“It’ll do its job, I’ll be ready for the next game. If my leg is not broken, Imma keep playing. My pops always used to say, just keep drinking water somehow,” Lonnie said in his post-game presser. “My knee has been sore since game 2 and I’ve been in a lot of pain. Just playing through it for the most part. Just kinda reaggravated it a little bit, for the most part, I’m good.”

Walker has been vital to the Nets’ success so far

The Brooklyn Nets' second unit, often referred to as the bench mob, has significantly contributed to the team's success thus far. 

Walker plays a crucial role in this success, serving as the top scorer for Brooklyn off the bench with an impressive 16.8 points per game, showcasing elite efficiency with a shooting percentage of 53.8% from the field and 46.3% from beyond the arc.

He has consistently helped the Nets get out of a rut by taking over. Walker not only excels in shooting perimeter jump shots but also demonstrates a readiness to penetrate into the paint and finish over elite rim protectors.

Coach Jacque Vaughn trusts him to be a big part of the offense when he’s on the floor as he always steps up with either smart cuts into the paint or coming off screens to hit the threes. Losing him will be a big blow to the Nets but thankfully, he is just dealing with a minor injury he feels can play through.

Walker has to fill in for Cam Thomas

Cameron Thomas has been the Nets’ best player in the season so far but he suffered an ankle injury in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. This leaves a scoring void for the Nets as Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie are the only reliable perimeter scorers left. That is when Lonnie enters the fray because he’s a reliable all-around scorer off the bench.

With Cam's imminent return, Coach Vaughn and the Nets must make the most of Lonnie's current performance. Excelling in a backup role, he showcases his ability to take on and dominate the second unit with his scoring prowess.

A Closer Look at Brooklyn's Deceptive 5-5 Start

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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