Nets' Lonnie Walker cherishes Spurs roots in his return to San Antonio: “They taught me how to be a professional”

Lonnie got nothing but love about his first NBA experience with the Spurs.

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Before he even established himself as one of the league's premiere bench microwave scorers, Brooklyn Nets sixth man Lonnie Walker IV had his own humble beginnings at the San Antonio Spurs.

As a rookie of the 2018 Draft from the Miami Hurricanes, Lonnie entered the grind of the NBA as a skinny, young kid nurtured by the Spurs program. For four seasons, he seized the priceless opportunity of being under the wings of legendary mentor Gregg Popovich.

And on Sunday night, as he made his return to his first NBA home, Lonnie can only revisit the special memories that he had during his time wearing a Spurs uniform.

No love lost

For Lonnie, it will always be good to be back in San Antonio, knowing how truly special its die-hard fan base and first-class organization are. He might not be bleeding silver and black anymore, but the 25-year-old guard will remain grateful for the love and acknowledgment that he often receives from the Spurs.

"Coming into the league that was my first team and all I knew was Spurs basketball," Walker told Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express-News before the Nets’ 122-115 loss against the Spurs. "The community was amazing, the fans, the crowd, the coaching staff, the list goes on and on.”

Professionalism above all

Above anything else that he managed to pick up during his time as a Spur, Lonnie will always be proud of how the franchise aided him in attaining professionalism and becoming a team player.

The Spurs are prominently known for its team basketball and remarkable culture, and Walker IV couldn't be more proud to bring those learnings that he had to Brooklyn for this season.

“They really taught me how to be a professional on and off the court and how to hold myself accountable.”

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