Lonnie Walker IV must earn his place with Denver, but his scoring ability, improved shooting and proven readiness make him a strong roster candidate.
Lonnie Walker IV is returning from Europe with an opportunity to resume his NBA career, but his place with the Denver Nuggets is not guaranteed.
Walker agreed to a one-year contract with Denver after playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season. However, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reported that it is a training camp deal, meaning Walker must compete for a spot on the regular-season roster.
The Nuggets had two available roster spots when the agreement was reached, providing the 27-year-old guard with a realistic path to make the team. His athleticism, scoring experience and improved outside shot could give him an advantage during camp.
May 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guardLonnieWalkerIV(4) shoots the ball against DenverNuggetsforward Aaron Gordon (50) during the second quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsWalker can strengthen Denver’s bench
Walker has averaged 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 342 NBA games with the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Although he is not a traditional point guard, Walker can create his own shot, attack closeouts and provide instant offense. Those abilities could help a Denver bench that needs dependable perimeter scoring when Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are resting.
Walker also demonstrated growth as an outside shooter during his time overseas. He averaged 14.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 47 career EuroLeague appearances with Žalgiris Kaunas and Maccabi.
His ability to shoot, relocate and cut without the ball could make him a natural fit alongside Jokić, whose passing routinely generates open opportunities for Denver’s perimeter players. Walker would not need to become a primary creator. Instead, he could focus on spacing the floor, attacking favorable matchups and bringing energy against opposing second units.
His Lakers hero game still matters
Walker’s defining playoff performance came in Game 4 of the 2023 Western Conference semifinals on May 8, 2023.
After falling out of the Lakers’ rotation earlier in the postseason, Walker remained prepared for another opportunity. He scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter to lead Los Angeles to a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Walker made six of his nine fourth-quarter shots as the Lakers erased a seven-point deficit and secured a 3-1 series lead. His late scoring helped Los Angeles move within one victory of eliminating the defending NBA champions.
The memorable performance showed that Walker could stay ready despite an unpredictable role and contribute under significant postseason pressure. That experience could be valuable for a Nuggets team with championship expectations.
Walker still has weaknesses he must overcome during training camp. He has not consistently provided high-level defense or playmaking, and his shot selection can become questionable when he tries to create too much on his own.
May 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; DenverNuggetsguard Jamal Murray (27) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guardLonnieWalkerIV(4) during the second quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsHowever, Denver would not be asking him to carry its offense. If Walker defends with discipline, makes quick decisions and carries over his improved shooting, he can fill a clear role as a reserve scorer.
For a low-risk training camp addition, Walker brings more proven NBA production and postseason experience than most players competing for a final roster spot. He still must earn it, but his skill set and history of staying prepared give him a compelling case to open the season with Denver.
