Inside The Nets

Why the Brooklyn Nets Locker Room Love Playing With Lonnie Walker IV

The Nets have encountered many problems this season, but Lonnie Walker IV is a constant positive.

Peter Sunjic

© Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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Throughout the season, injuries have plagued the Brooklyn Nets, yet amidst the challenges, the team finds stability in a couple of constants: the enduring durability of Mikal Bridges, the NBA's Iron Man, and the consistent scoring prowess of Lonnie Walker IV coming off the bench.

The 24-year-old guard has become one of the most underrated players in the league as he provides instant offense from the bench, scoring 15.7 points per game on 50.8% from the field and 43.9% from three. His consistent production has helped endear him not only to the fans but also to his teammates. 

“One thing he’s been doing is just getting to his spots. You know he has that middy at the elbow that he loves to shoot,” Cameron Johnson said about Walker. “He’s been confident, and you could tell that his timing and rhythm on his 3s, on his drive, and everything he’s doing is right where it needs to be.”

Walker is trusted to be their primary option off the bench

Examining the Nets' stats reveals Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges as the top two scorers. What may come as a surprise is Lonnie Walker IV securing the third spot, averaging more points than the explosive scorer Spencer Dinwiddie, a recognized starter.

That is proof that the team and coach Jacque Vaughn believe in Walker’s ability to be an offensive spark when he comes off the bench. That is a good sign moving forward for Walker as he continues to shine as a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

“Definitely, someone that, for me, I’ve seen him from afar. A great acquisition for us this offseason, and I’m just growing to trust him more and more,” Vaughn said in a presser after beating the Los Angeles Clippers.

Walker appreciates the trust from the organization

Walker is poised to remain a significant contributor to Brooklyn's strategies, and you should expect to keep hearing his name getting praised by the coaches, players, and analysts covering the game.

“It means a lot to me. I’ve really been trying to work and build that trust within the coaching staff and the players as well. So the fact that I got a couple plays out of timeouts and whatnot just shows my level of progress as far as trust in the coaches,” Walker said in his post-game presser after the Clippers game.

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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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