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Lonnie Walker IV is making a case for Sixth Man of the Year with Stellar Bench Performance
It came as a surprise that Lonnie Walker IV was available during the offseason because he had some amazing moments for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022/23 season. The most prominent of which was his standout performance against the Golden State Warriors in the Playoffs when he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4.
Despite that, Walker still had sporadic minutes for the Purple and Gold which led to his decision to step away from Los Angeles. He saw the Brooklyn Nets as his prime destination because he saw an opportunity to shine. While he did not play in the team’s season opener, he has been a mainstay ever since the second game.
“I’m 24 years old, very athletic guard, I can score in a plethora of different ways,” Walker said ahead of the 2023/24 season. “All I need is just some opportunity to show what my game is, and this is just the perfect place as far as opportunity playing the right way, winning and growing.”
He has delivered on his potential
Throughout his career, Walker has consistently showcased his potential, albeit hindered by a lack of opportunities; however, with the Nets, he has earned trust as the go-to scorer off the bench, relishing his role and thriving in the Brooklyn environment.
After 11 games with the Nets, Walker is averaging 15 points per game on shooting splits of 50.9% from the field and 46% from beyond the arc. Achieving this off the bench undoubtedly positions him as a strong contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
While it's early in the season, Walker's performance appears sustainable, given his proficiency in moving off the ball, utilizing athleticism to finish in the paint, and showcasing solid fundamentals in his jump shot. This skill set has earned him popularity and trust within the Nets' locker room, as teammates recognize his reliability in stepping up when needed.
Competition for Sixth Man of the Year
Walker isn't the sole standout bench player this season, with other impressive backups making waves across the league. Players such as Immanuel Quickley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Caris LeVert have all showcased noteworthy performances, and there are additional talents making an impact throughout the NBA.
There is lofty competition but by the end of the season, Walker might be right there in the race, especially if he continues playing this well.
