After spending time playing in Lithuania, Walker is back in the NBA with the 76ers.
SAN ANTONIO — After spending time overseas with Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania’s EuroLeague, former San Antonio Spurs swingman Lonnie Walker IV is back in the NBA after signing a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
And his former Spurs teammate, Keldon Johnson, is thrilled to see him back in the league.
“Well deserved,” said Johnson. “Everybody’s path is different, but I’m extremely proud of Lonnie.”
From 2018-22, Johnson and Walker teamed up and were seen as part of the rebuild’s new core. However, in July 2022, Walker inked a free-agent 1-year deal with the Lakers after the Spurs rescinded the qualifying offer.
But the former Spur would find himself taking his talents to the Nets, signing a one-year deal. However, he did not have the best times in Brooklyn, feeling slighted by the organization. He would enter free agency again, signing an Exhibit-10 contract with Boston only to be waived ahead of this season and ultimately signing overseas in Lithuania.
He prospered there, scoring 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. While playing in Europe, he shot 40 percent from three-point range on 5.8 attempts per game.
“His performances that he made overseas were huge, and to see him come back over here (NBA) and still playing at a high level definitely shows you that he’s capable of playing basketball anywhere,” Johnson said.
The Spurs’ 2018 first-round pick is making the most of his time back in the NBA, averaging 9.1 points per game, including 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 21 minutes played through nine games with the Sixers.
His best game since returning to the NBA was a 25-point and 11 rebounds explosion versus the Jazz.
Although they are no longer teammates and their basketball careers diverging, Johnson says he kept in contact with Walker even when playing in Lithuania.
“We communicated with each other here and there,” he said. “It’s not like an everyday thing, but when he reaches out, we know it’s all love. He was part of the family here.”
It remains to be seen if he will stick with the 76ers. He was signed to help bolster their backcourt due to injuries to Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and rookie phenom Jared McCain. They will eventually return, likely next season, leaving the 76ers with a decision to make.
His deal is for two years, but Philadelphia reportedly has a team option in year two. He can only prove he can play with any NBA team, whether with the 76ers or elsewhere.
He is off to a great start playing with his hometown NBA team (Walker is from Reading, Pennsylvania) and has Johnson’s full support.
“I’m glad to see one of my brothers back in the NBA and really excel over there in Philadelphia.”