Lonnie Walker goes in-depth on path to Celtics and potential alternate route

The Boston Celtics signed Lonnie Walker IV to an Exhibit 10 contract very late in free agency. At that point, it was a shock to see the wing available, and Brad Stevens took a chance. However, with the way the roster looks right now, there isn’t really a defined path for Walker to make the regular-season squad.

This summer, Boston brought back nearly an identical roster to the one that won Banner 18. The only players who are absent are Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk, but the Celtics added two rookies to replace them. That means there is only one roster spot left over, and the team may prefer to keep that slot open to maintain some flexibility.

Regardless, Walker is ready to embrace the process.

Lonnie Walker is ready to do whatever it takes

During a recent 1-on-1 chat with Bobby Manning of Boston Sports Journal and CLNS Media, Walker spoke about his journey to the Celtics and his willingness to play in the G League if necessary.

"Brad Stevens had seen something in me and just gave me the opportunity to have the [Exhibit 10 contract] and earn my spot," Walker IV told Boston Sports Journal on Friday. "...The conversation was like, 'Hey, you're on an E10. You know how things may play out as far as money and cap space or whatever it might be.' So if things don't go as planned, if there's a possibility of me playing in Maine, it's something I gotta do.”

At 25 years old and coming off a solid year with the Brooklyn Nets, Walker was obviously hoping to see some more contract offers thrown his way in free agency. But they never came.

Now, Walker is in a position where there’s a good chance he’s not in the NBA to start next season. And as suboptimal as that may be, Walker is going to power through the process.

“I wasn't given the opportunity to look at multiple teams and get picked up or get a guaranteed contract,” Walker said. “...You gotta take it in the chin. It's not always gonna be your way. Sometimes adversity is gonna hit you in the face, and you gotta find a way to bounce back and continue to fight. I'm very optimistic. Like I said, I'm 25 years old [and] this is year seven for me... I haven't even reached my prime yet. So I think the best is yet to come."

Walker has been working his tail off in Celtics training camp, but his future likely won’t be determined until the season officially begins.