NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV has had a interesting path during his time in the NBA. He has gone from the 18th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to potentially competing for the Sixth Man of the Year award. But, he understands his reality.
“I’m on a minimum,” Walker said after scoring 19 points off the bench in Monday’s 147-114 win over the Utah Jazz for his best game in weeks. Walker spent his first four seasons in the league with the San Antonio Spurs before spending last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite the fact that his scoring ability is well-known, Walker is in Brooklyn on a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal. Throughout this season, Walker has outplayed that kind of contract and then some. It’s clear that he’s playing with something to prove.
“So, I carry that weight on my shoulders as far as finding a home and playing the right way and continue to get better,” Walker said. “You know, every day, I’m trying to just stay consistent. I wake up, I meditate, I read, I do this. And, I’m just not trying to skip no steps.”
With the way that Walker has been scoring off the bench, he has been one of the best reserve players in the NBA this season. As great as the Sixth Man of the Year award would be, Walker is worried about other things.
“I’m not worried about awards or accolades. My end all, be all is to win. I’ve been playing this game for 25 years. So, for me, I just love to win. And if you win, everybody eats,” Walker explained.
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