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The Brooklyn Nets are going into the 2023-24 season with a new team from the past few years when the team was considered a championship contender. One of the players that they acquired this summer is getting acknowledged for what he could bring to the organization next season.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley said that Brooklyn’s best new weapon for this upcoming season is guard Lonnie Walker IV. Walker IV, 24, signed with the Nets this offseason on a one-year, $2.3 million contract after spending the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Walker IV is part of an offseason class of eight new players that were brought into the organization, including their three draft picks from the 2023 NBA Draft. With the expectations of players like second-round pick Jalen Wilson, defensive stalwart guard Dennis Smith Jr., and possible backup to Nic Claxton in center Trendon Watford, Walker IV being considered the best new player says a lot about what is expected from him.
Here’s why Buckley picked Walker IV as the best new weapon for the Nets:
“Long-term, the most notable additions to the Nets were their two first-round picks, Noah Clowney and Dariq Whitehead. This season, though, their contributions could be limited, as both are candidates to log serious minutes in the G League.
That’s why the spotlight instead falls on Lonnie Walker IV, who was en route to a career campaign this past season before injuries and the Los Angeles Lakers’ midseason makeover slowed his ascension. Over his first 31 outings, he pumped in an efficient 15.1 points per game on 45.9/39.3/87.5 shooting.
The Nets need his scoring punch. Even with Mikal Bridges’ emergence, Brooklyn wound up just 23rd in offensive efficiency after the trade deadline. Walker, an explosive slasher with an ignitable outside shot, can scratch that itch.”
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