Lonnie Walker Appreciation Thread

[bklynspursfan]

1045056674669694977

[TD 21]

Disagree on there being a clearer path to minutes.

You have Marco who they must like because they brought him back. He averaged over 25 minutes a game for Philly in Feb-March-April.

You have Fatty ready to get gift minutes at shooting guard next to Dejounte or White out of guilt for his awful contract and corporate knowledge.

You have DeMar who's played SG for years and there might be Gay, Cunningham, Pondexter, or someone else at the SF.

You have Forbes who was given an absurd amount of minutes, 19 minutes per game over 80 games and was brought back to play. It's hard off the top of my head to think of any guys who were signed to a second contract only to not play. Guys they didn't want to play they got rid of, like Neal, Ian, Mason, Blair, etc etc. While guys they re-signed Pop loved playing no matter how degraded or bad they played, like Bonner, Vaughn, Finley, etc.

And of course White who excelled all last year and in the summer league.

I think last year had more opportunities for White, though his short injury at the start of the year made things harder.

Besides Kawhi quitting all year ....

Dejounte wasn't a sure thing. Benched for Patty before Parker got back, he was then demoted in minutes when Parker did return. Only after being designated starter for good was he a lock in the rotation. Forbers averaged a lot more minutes in December and January than Dejounte.

The terrible play of Joffrey led to plenty of Gay and Anderson playing up a spot to PF instead of SF, compounding the trouble from Kawhi quitting.

Green and Manu missed a combined 29 games.

White was only out from November 4th to December 2nd, he still had avenues to play had Pop cared.

Walker only really has DeRozan, Gay, Belinelli and White (defensively; offensively, he'll run point) clearly ahead of him on the wings. Forbes probably is too going in, but he could leapfrog him.

I'm not going to pretend to be overly confident here, but I suspect they know he's probably their best prospect in 7 years, the closest thing they have to a 2-way wing and they're not winning a championship either way.

Agree with you about his 3. His stroke and confidence in it look the part of a shooter. I don't care about his middling percentage. It was probably mostly a function of role and shot selection, neither of which will be the same here. Instead of having the green light to shoot pull-ups, he'll be shooting spot ups.

I also think his on ball defense will be better than advertised because like Murray, another tools laden type who lacked the reputation, it'll be his ticket to getting minutes here.

[hooperflash]

1045056674669694977
WTF they were filming me? :lol

[SpurPadre]

1045056674669694977

Is this the same retard that had that Bonner haircut?

[Spurs Brazil]

Rookie guard Lonnie Walker IV has been limited in practice with a sore groin so far. His stomach, however, remains in tip-top shape. Walker has enjoyed a few dinners with Popovich, a noted gourmand who enjoys testing new players’ palates.

https://www.expressnews.com/spurs-nation/article/Spurs-notebook-Aldridge-aims-to-go-the-distance-13267116.php

[Chinook]

Fuck, the game tomorrow is actually going to be televised, and Walker might not even play? That's terrible.

[KDKSpurs24]

Rookie guard Lonnie Walker IV has been limited in practice with a sore groin so far. His stomach, however, remains in tip-top shape. Walker has enjoyed a few dinners with Popovich, a noted gourmand who enjoys testing new players’ palates.

https://www.expressnews.com/spurs-nation/article/Spurs-notebook-Aldridge-aims-to-go-the-distance-13267116.php
I hope this doesn’t ruin any chance of him getting playing time early in season. Which will inevitably cast him into the G League for most of the season. This sucks.

[objective]

Rookies missing preseason or early games or limited in camp practice = Pop's Kiss of Death

Splitter, White, and it's coming for Walker

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Walker is most likely G-league fodder this season. Hopefully if he is given a chance he takes it and runs with it. Lord knows the team needs the young guys to mature fast

[ace3g]

BtSAKW8hn19

[CGD]

BtSAKW8hn19

Bad ass

[exstatic]

Bad ass

G.O.A.T.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/SASpurs5/status/1091084332771495937

[SpurPadre]

I hope Lonnie was bowing down to Him before He gave him his proper schooling, tbh.

[mkurts]

Best player on the Spurs by far in deluded minds, assuming that a mind is actually present.

[alpha_HaZE]

Lonnie scored 48 points in his last two games in Austin

Here is his last game highlights; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4F9fvHO_mc

Good to see him dominate G-League. I know some of us expected him to have a better rookie season than DJ, but regardless he is a huge upgrade over Bryn!

[Fireball]

I totally forgot about him :rollin

[exstatic]

Lonnie scored 48 points in his last two games in Austin

Here is his last game highlights; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4F9fvHO_mc

Good to see him dominate G-League. I know some of us expected him to have a better rookie season than DJ, but regardless he is a huge upgrade over Bryn!
I think it’s probably just a matter of gaining confidence in the knee. He seems to be playing less gingerly.

[Blackhaus]

Fuck I hope his knees hold up, his herky jerky play style is a team doctors worst nightmare. He looked good in those last highlights, like how he was attacking the rim more. Definitely has the upside.

[duncan2150]

he had a really bad luck when he got injured with white out...

[Spurs Homer]

Fuck I hope his knees hold up, his herky jerky play style is a team doctors worst nightmare. He looked good in those last highlights, like how he was attacking the rim more. Definitely has the upside.


:pop: "I'd prefer to play Bryn Forbes with a bad wheel than give Lonnie a true shot. Look for Lonnie to be a big part of the rotation in the 2021-2022 season!

[duncan2150]

Lonnie scored 48 points in his last two games in Austin

Here is his last game highlights; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4F9fvHO_mc

Good to see him dominate G-League. I know some of us expected him to have a better rookie season than DJ, but regardless he is a huge upgrade over Bryn!

Looks good and gaigning confidence. He was shooting a lot but now he goes inside, one on one..... I hope he will play a little bit till the end of the season.

[TDomination]

Man i hope this guy is on the court for us next year. I understand the concept of letting them grow in the G league but next year he needs to be on the main team.
Him, healthy Murray and White will get me excited for next year.

[GreekSpursfan]

Lets see him perform first on the NBA lvl and then get excited. Last time we saw him he was so fucking atrocious that people were calling a scrub and a bust. He's not a top 10 pick so we probably have to wait for a couple of years to make an assessment.

[duncan2150]

One important point is you can't have success in the NBA by playing 5 minutes here or here, if somehow he plays 10 games in a row we could really talk about him.

[GusT15]

Looks good and gaigning confidence. He was shooting a lot but now he goes inside, one on one..... I hope he will play a little bit till the end of the season.

There was an International competition about 2 weeks ago with the Austin Spurs,2 teams from South America and a team from Europe (not Euroleague level).

The Austin Spurs lost by 30 and 20 in the semi-final and the 3d place game (and not even to the team that won the whole thing)

The G league talent and competition level is abysmal,we can't really judge a player's progress in said competition.Walker needs time in the NBA and the actual team.Not time in the G League.

[Coach X]

It seems he’s going to the rim rather than taking jays. Good for him.

Anyway, the big step in his progression is starting to play defense. He has looked awful every time he stepped on a NBA court. A young player can start having some minutes not being good in offense but he shouldn’t have a single second of playing time until he plays decent defense. Nobody expects him to lock his man, steal balls or block shots but play consistent 1on1 defense on and off the ball, position yourself, help and rotate following team schemes and execute as any other in screens and P&R.

The kid is smart and has good physical tools, it’s about coaching and time he plays better D and deserves playing time in San Antonio.

[exstatic]

Fuck I hope his knees hold up, his herky jerky play style is a team doctors worst nightmare. He looked good in those last highlights, like how he was attacking the rim more. Definitely has the upside.

He's probably got 9-10 years before his knee goes Dwayne Wade on him. The advantage that he has is that he's a MUCH better outside shooter than Wade has ever been. He can probably adapt his game like Manu did, and play below the rim for a few more years after his knee meniscus disappears.

[exstatic]

There was an International competition about 2 weeks ago with the Austin Spurs,2 teams from South America and a team from Europe (not Euroleague level).

The Austin Spurs lost by 30 and 20 in the semi-final and the 3d place game (and not even to the team that won the whole thing)

The G league talent and competition level is abysmal,we can't really judge a player's progress in said competition.Walker needs time in the NBA and the actual team.Not time in the G League.

He needs to PLAY. He won't play in SA, because he's not ready. He WILL play AND learn in Austin. Austin doesn't ever have back to backs, and frequently has 2 or 3 days off, and time for practices. They can work on his D, teach him about the line between the ball and his man, and don't stray above that.

Next year, everyone will be raving about Lonnie, and bitching because our new rook(s) will be in Austin, just like they're currently raving about White and bitching because Lonnie is in Austin. FIGURE IT OUT. This is what has worked for nearly a decade, since they drafted Cory Joseph. This is the process that arguable the best development staff in the NBA uses, and it works.

[sasaint]

He needs to PLAY. He won't play in SA, because he's not ready. He WILL play AND learn in Austin. Austin doesn't ever have back to backs, and frequently has 2 or 3 days off, and time for practices. They can work on his D, teach him about the line between the ball and his man, and don't stray above that.

Next year, everyone will be raving about Lonnie, and bitching because our new rook(s) will be in Austin, just like they're currently raving about White and bitching because Lonnie is in Austin. FIGURE IT OUT. This is what has worked for nearly a decade, since they drafted Cory Joseph. This is the process that arguable the best development staff in the NBA uses, and it works.

It clearly works for the Spurs, although I believe DWhite should have gotten much more burn in SA last season. But LWIV this season is clearly not as NBA-ready as DWhite was and should benefit enormously from his time in Austin. Next summer we shall see...

[exstatic]

It clearly works for the Spurs, although I believe DWhite should have gotten much more burn in SA last season. But LWIV this season is clearly not as NBA-ready as DWhite was and should benefit enormously from his time in Austin. Next summer we shall see...

Yup. LW IV is 4 years younger than White was as a rookie, and only had one year of NCAA ball.

People complain that Austin loses a lot of games. I don't care if they don't win any. I want them to be a teaching clinic. Walker's handle seems to have tightened up. If they can get him to play passable defense, he'll be ready for minutes in the fall. He won't come out of the gate well, but then neither did White this year, struggling mightily in the beginning.

[TDomination]

Yup. LW IV is 4 years younger than White was as a rookie, and only had one year of NCAA ball.

People complain that Austin loses a lot of games. I don't care if they don't win any. I want them to be a teaching clinic. Walker's handle seems to have tightened up. If they can get him to play passable defense, he'll be ready for minutes in the fall. He won't come out of the gate well, but then neither did White this year, struggling mightily in the beginning.

yup. and i remember thinking how awful White was looking early this year. it was not pretty.
but once he fully healed up and felt comfortable, his confidence started showing and finally we started seeing why the Spurs picked him up.

[sasaint]

Yup. LW IV is 4 years younger than White was as a rookie, and only had one year of NCAA ball.

People complain that Austin loses a lot of games. I don't care if they don't win any. I want them to be a teaching clinic. Walker's handle seems to have tightened up. If they can get him to play passable defense, he'll be ready for minutes in the fall. He won't come out of the gate well, but then neither did White this year, struggling mightily in the beginning.

That's about what I expect of LWIV next season. But I do not expect him to be as good at the end of next season as White will end up this season. For one thing, he won't get nearly as many minutes - barring another spate of injuries.

Agreed - Austin's record :lol

[pad300]

There was an International competition about 2 weeks ago with the Austin Spurs,2 teams from South America and a team from Europe (not Euroleague level).

The Austin Spurs lost by 30 and 20 in the semi-final and the 3d place game (and not even to the team that won the whole thing)

The G league talent and competition level is abysmal,we can't really judge a player's progress in said competition.Walker needs time in the NBA and the actual team.Not time in the G League.

If you are using this competition to judge the level of the G-league, you're being played for a sucker. The Austin Spurs threw this competition. Look at the minutes played - 0 minutes for Eubanks, Moore, Trice, Walker, Metu. Which is to say Austin's 5 best players... (I don't think that any of those guys went on the trip).

I don't know why Austin tanked that competition, but they surely did.

[GusT15]

If you are using this competition to judge the level of the G-league, you're being played for a sucker. The Austin Spurs threw this competition. Look at the minutes played - 0 minutes for Eubanks, Moore, Trice, Walker, Metu. Which is to say Austin's 5 best players... (I don't think that any of those guys went on the trip).

I don't know why Austin tanked that competition, but they surely did.

No,i know what team they sent,the best players were Huestis,Amida Brimah and Blair(?).

My point was that G League is a bad league,and training with bad teammates while facing bad opponents in G League games is not helping in a players actual development.Confidence wise and conditioning sure it does.

[Play Boban]

Lonnie scored 48 points in his last two games in Austin

Here is his last game highlights; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4F9fvHO_mc

Good to see him dominate G-League. I know some of us expected him to have a better rookie season than DJ, but regardless he is a huge upgrade over Bryn!

Forges is a scrub, but in now way is this moon landing denier scrub better than him. Disgusting.

[exstatic]

No,i know what team they sent,the best players were Huestis,Amida Brimah and Blair(?).

My point was that G League is a bad league,and training with bad teammates while facing bad opponents in G League games is not helping in a players actual development.Confidence wise and conditioning sure it does.

Reality says otherwise.

[GusT15]

Reality says otherwise.

You are talking about Derrick White? Bryn Forbes? Who exactly?

Cause White is a 4 year in college,ready player who just needed his confidence and Bryn is the same player he was from a basketball standpoint,with 20 pounds of muscle added.

White if in a Tony Parker in 2001 situation,without the injuries would be with the main team since day 1.Bryn was dominating the D League if i remember correctly and now thinks he can score 40 in the NBA as well.

Why am i trying to guess which player you are talking about though?

[RD2191]

Bum written all over him tbh

[phxspurfan]

Let the Lonnie Walker experience begin!

[Roscoe P. Coltrane]

Bum written all over him tbh

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1101881774215438336

[sasaint]

Bum written all over him tbh

He is very raw, but young. I can't predict how he will turn out, but I am obviously holding my breath. So fat, the signs aren't very encouraging.

[exstatic]

He is very raw, but young. I can't predict how he will turn out, but I am obviously holding my breath. So fat, the signs aren't very encouraging.
He was 19, and played 2/3s of one college season. He’s going to struggle out of the gate against grown men. The Spurs had him in their top 10 on their draft board.

[R. DeMurre]

The Spurs had him in their top 10 on their draft board.


That's really interesting! Where'd you discover that?

[sasaint]

He was 19, and played 2/3s of one college season. He’s going to struggle out of the gate against grown men. The Spurs had him in their top 10 on their draft board.

Yeah, that's why I think it is way to early for me to be predicting how he will turn out. So much depends on stuff that fans never get to see like his ability to take coaching.

[Atl Spur]

He was 19, and played 2/3s of one college season. He’s going to struggle out of the gate against grown men. The Spurs had him in their top 10 on their draft board.

Finally someone speaking with some perspective!

[duncan2150]

He was 19, and played 2/3s of one college season. He’s going to struggle out of the gate against grown men. The Spurs had him in their top 10 on their draft board.

+1

[John B]

The kid has had his licking. Has been practicing in the G-League. He’s playing with chips on his shoulder. Time to show what you got Lonnie. GSG!

[objective]

Though I'd like to see him play, and as crazy as it sounds, but I always feel while watching him that he's deceptively unathletic.

Sounds bizarre, but that's the feeling I get. Whether it was college or the g-league, he just looks like he should be a lot more explosive. Maybe it's the knee injuries the whole time, but damn if he doesn't look like he should be jumping out of this world and dunking on people like Zhaire in a Clean Room.

He has that great first step but doesn't get it to the rim like I think he should be able to. Physically he might look like a young Dwyane Wade and should be attacking and getting fouled and getting and-1s but he plays more like a faster Bryn Forbes

[RC_Drunkford]

His summer league performance will determine if he'll get some playing time next season

[ceperez]

Though I'd like to see him play, and as crazy as it sounds, but I always feel while watching him that he's deceptively unathletic.

Sounds bizarre, but that's the feeling I get. Whether it was college or the g-league, he just looks like he should be a lot more explosive. Maybe it's the knee injuries the whole time, but damn if he doesn't look like he should be jumping out of this world and dunking on people like Zhaire in a Clean Room.

He has that great first step but doesn't get it to the rim like I think he should be able to. Physically he might look like a young Dwyane Wade and should be attacking and getting fouled and getting and-1s but he plays more like a faster Bryn Forbes

PATFO will need to figure out where he can be slotted in the current rotation.

The starting five ... White, Forbes, DeRozan, Aldrige, Poetl covers up for Forbes defensive liability and needs Forbes to spread the floor. It's possible for Walker to replace Forbes and plug the defensive hole. It'll depend on how good a 3pt shooter Walker is.

The bench ... Mills, Walker, Belinelli, Bertans, Gay. This has a nice balance to it, it is small ball.

Spurs have only 9 players in the regular rotation, this isn't sustainable. I don't see Metu making any leaps compared to Walker. I don't see QPon or Cunningham ever becoming a rotation player.

[John B]

PATFO will need to figure out where he can be slotted in the current rotation.

The starting five ... White, Forbes, DeRozan, Aldrige, Poetl covers up for Forbes defensive liability and needs Forbes to spread the floor. It's possible for Walker to replace Forbes and plug the defensive hole. It'll depend on how good a 3pt shooter Walker is.

The bench ... Mills, Walker, Belinelli, Bertans, Gay. This has a nice balance to it, it is small ball.

Spurs have only 9 players in the regular rotation, this isn't sustainable. I don't see Metu making any leaps compared to Walker. I don't see QPon or Cunningham ever becoming a rotation player.
Eubanks could be playing tbh. He’s not the most exciting thing, but his NBA-ready of all the youngsters and pretty solid moves. He can do cleanup assignments to lessen Aldridge minutes imo

[lmbebo]

on NBA radio they discussed that Walker was slotted to get real playing time before the season started. Then his knee injury happened.

They believed we would have been a top 3 seed in the west if not for injuries this year (Murray, Walker, White) and at time DDR and Gay.

[John B]

on NBA radio they discussed that Walker was slotted to get real playing time before the season started. Then his knee injury happened.

They believed we would have been a top 3 seed in the west if not for injuries this year (Murray, Walker, White) and at time DDR and Gay.
Easily. That Murray/White tandem can frustrate any guards combination and add Poeltl to swat whoever gets by, if ever. Scores would be in the 90’s every night :lol:lol

[GAustex]

White looks great with decision making/ball handling and sneaky athlecticism and defense and shooting of all sorts
Murry is intriguing with his defense and
athleticism but really needs to improve decision making and shooting
Walker has shown nothing except he can jump and sometimes get his shot. Walker is young so he could get better. Walker is typical AAU baller-no defense at all-individual or team and only kicks it in on offense when he has the ball in his hands.

[dbestpro]

Not sure White would have gotten the minutes to develop as well as he has without the injuries. I think in the long run we will look back on this as a positive in a strange sort of way.

[R. DeMurre]

His summer league performance will determine if he'll get some playing time next season


Yeah, I agree.. This is why I had so much confidence/interest in Derrick White at the beginning of this season: he'd dominated the G League and then followed it up by dominating the Summer league. He was clearly a level above the guys around him. So far, Walker is pretty up & down with the G League. He's had good games, but also a few clunkers. His last game down there, he was 2-10 from the field, 0-5 from three, had two shots blocked, with 1 assist and 0 rebounds... strangely though, he was also the only player getting significant minutes with a positive +/- in a game that the team lost by 15 points. But he hasn't excelled against that competition to the same degree that White did last year.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1115378811569414144

[gambit1990]

jordan don’t know shit, spurs should try to package lonnie and demar in a sign and trade for kemba. would even do ddr + murray.

[$pursDynasty]

Looking forward to our Summer League team next year, wonder if Becky will coach and if Lonnie and Metu will dominate like Fathead and Juice used to.

[ace3g]

https://www.nba.com/spurs/sites/spurs/files/20190410-spurs-mavs-adriangarcia-sse_aa98217_1.jpg

[look_at_g_shred]

Imagine Lonnie being able to catch and shoot 3's :wow

[GreekSpursfan]

I want to see him being a lockdown defender first and a spot up 3pt shooter and slowly expand his game. From i've seen he has a lot of work to do to improve on both ends.

[exstatic]

I want to see him being a lockdown defender first and a spot up 3pt shooter and slowly expand his game. From i've seen he has a lot of work to do to improve on both ends.

His offense is a lot further along than his defense. He shot 38.5% on mostly catch and shoot 3s. His form was superb, even in college. He just had poor shot selection, something the Spurs will clean up.

[GAustex]

His offense is a lot further along than his defense. He shot 38.5% on mostly catch and shoot 3s. His form was superb, even in college. He just had poor shot selection, something the Spurs will clean up.
He needs to somehow get Mills minutes

[BackHome]

Walkers first few games were terrible but as he started to get more comfortable and started to play much better. He got better pretty quickly considering he was coming off a knee injury I think some people forget that when judging his play. I am not a Walker fan boy and was on him in the beginning but he won me over and I think if Pop gives him a long leash he will make a big impact on the team...In a good way. Lol

[Ice009]

I love the way he started playing when he starting getting some minutes towards the end of the season. I think it was a game against Denver, even though it was garbage time, he played quite well when he got the minutes towards the end of that game.

[alpha_HaZE]

I am excited for summer league, and Lonnie is a big part of that.

I compared his per 36min stats during this past season with White's and Dejounte's (season two, not last one) and are identically the same, well almost! Dejounte is elite in rebounding, Derrick is above average, and Lonnie needs improvement, but Lonnie is also by far the best three point shooter, so that's that. And, obviously, Derrick is the better passer, and that's it as well. So to summarize Dejounte rebounds, Derrick distributes, and Lonnie makes threes.

So if Lonnie were to play solid defence, he would probably have a Derrick White kind of year. And to those who are hesitant because Lonnie played so little because of injuries (too small of a sample), I also I looked at their per36 in G-league stats (large enough sample) and guess what, they are also identical except for rebounds, assists, and the point percentage!

So not only are those three are really good, but complement each other very well!

[J_Paco]

I am excited for summer league, and Lonnie is a big part of that.

I compared his per 36min stats during this past season with White's and Dejounte's (season two, not last one) and are identically the same, well almost! Dejounte is elite in rebounding, Derrick is above average, and Lonnie needs improvement, but Lonnie is also by far the best three point shooter, so that's that. And, obviously, Derrick is the better passer, and that's it as well. So to summarize Dejounte rebounds, Derrick distributes, and Lonnie makes threes.

So if Lonnie were to play solid defence, he would probably have a Derrick White kind of year. And to those who are hesitant because Lonnie played so little because of injuries (too small of a sample), I also I looked at their per36 in G-league stats (large enough sample) and guess what, they are also identical except for rebounds, assists, and the point percentage!

So not only are those three are really good, but complement each other very well!

Nice, a three - headed monster at the guard spot (ala Denver) is a dream scenario in this guard dominant league.

Now, we just need Pop to drop Patty and Marco from the roster....

[GreekSpursfan]

His offense is a lot further along than his defense. He shot 38.5% on mostly catch and shoot 3s. His form was superb, even in college. He just had poor shot selection, something the Spurs will clean up.

I'm not as high on him as others. My first concern about every young player is defense because thats all about effort and commitment and i didn't see any of that from him. We don't need players especially young chilling on defense to keep themselves fresh on the other end.
If he doesn't show commitment on defense i don't think Pop is gonna give him more chances than he did this year.

[BackHome]

I agree but I don’t think it was for lack of effort more so being in the right place at the right time. It always takes awhile for players to feel confident in knowing defensive sets and not over thinking everything and just playing. That’s Bertans problem you can tell he is over thinking on offense and defense and you can’t do that in the NBA.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

The few minutes he got later during the regular season he did a solid job of man defense but got caught a couple of times ball watching while playing off ball defense.

He has the athletic ability and body to be a plus defender and he talked about and knows the way to get actual playing time in NBA games he has to play defense.

If he listens to the coaching staff and stays healthy the young man at the worst will be a solid player with a long career in the NBA. If he is really a gym rat he can become a all star caliber player because his shooting stroke is already good, he is a great athlete, and he already has an NBA body

[BackHome]

One thing that surprised me when Spurs called him up he was the primary ball handler bringing the ball up which wasn’t the case in G League. He actually did a good job his handles kinda surprised me I am wondering what role they want him to play next season?

[DJR210]

I want to see him being a lockdown defender first and a spot up 3pt shooter and slowly expand his game. From i've seen he has a lot of work to do to improve on both ends.

He's got the body for it.. Much more bulk than Murray with the same 6'10" wingspan. Dude can still jump judging from that dunk attempt at Denver..

[exstatic]

One thing that surprised me when Spurs called him up he was the primary ball handler bringing the ball up which wasn’t the case in G League. He actually did a good job his handles kinda surprised me I am wondering what role they want him to play next season?

Which was a bit surprising, considering the PG problems/issues that Austin had last year.

[JeffDuncan]

One thing that surprised me when Spurs called him up he was the primary ball handler bringing the ball up which wasn’t the case in G League. He actually did a good job his handles kinda surprised me I am wondering what role they want him to play next season?

I remember noticing that, too. He did look good. If worst came to worst and they needed somebody at the point, better Walker than Forbes, it appeared.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Spurs_Nation/status/1134497116909424640

[Chinook]

Not a story about Walker in the gym or cutting his hair, so I don't like.

[Realdeal1]

Lonnie Walker is the next great spur ... I hope

[Play Boban]

Lonnie Walker is the next great spur ... I hope
:lmao

[tholdren]

https://twitter.com/Spurs_Nation/status/1134497116909424640

Need more of this.

[JeffDuncan]

Not a story about Walker in the gym or cutting his hair, so I don't like.

I can guarantee you, the kids loved his hair.

[Play Boban]

Need more of this.

Today's nba

[tholdren]

Today's nba

Not really.

[Spurtacular]

Not a story about Walker in the gym or cutting his hair, so I don't like.

[Play Boban]

:cry
Not really.

[GreekSpursfan]

https://twitter.com/Spurs_Nation/status/1134497116909424640

Good stuff, more of the same please.
We don't need clips and mixtapes of him looking like the second coming of Jordan. I'm sure he's working, we'll see his progress in real games.

[phxspurfan]

Walker did surprisingly nothing at all in his rookie year. Wasn't NBA ready in the least bit it seems. Also oft-injured like his draft profile said

[Play Boban]

Walker did surprisingly nothing at all in his rookie year. Wasn't NBA ready in the least bit it seems. Also oft-injured like his draft profile said
PATFO blew it per par.

[exstatic]

Walker did surprisingly nothing at all in his rookie year. Wasn't NBA ready in the least bit it seems. Also oft-injured like his draft profile said

You absolutely cannot play as a rookie on this team without training camp. It’s hard enough for vets from other teams to pick up the system.

[Pavlov]

CROFL @ any dumbass who expected Walker to do anything in the NBA last season after the injury.

[testingtesting]

Not a story about Walker in the gym or cutting his hair, so I don't like.

wj5yn

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1137887112836132864

[K...]

His dream is to fuck tigers in the pool?

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1137920681952325633

[r0drig0lac]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1137920681952325633

Lonnie has a spurstalk account confirmed

[timvp]

Lonnie has a spurstalk account confirmed

:lol

[bluebellmaniac]

Lonnie has a spurstalk account confirmed

I remember when Bonner posted and was outed right away.

[Stump]

I remember when Bonner posted and was outed right away.
Did this legitimately happen? I need a link, if so.

[Chinook]

I remember when Bonner posted and was outed right away.

Yeah, that was funny. Shoulda stayed.

[playbonner15]

I remember when Bonner posted and was outed right away.
This never happened.

[monkeypunk]

This never happened.

Shut up, Matty.

[bluebellmaniac]

Did this legitimately happen? I need a link, if so.

TimVP had the goods on him. It was hilarious!

[BackHome]

I like Walker I think if he can stay healthy he is going to have a break out season.

[picnroll]

Lonnie trolling Bernie Sanders. :rollin

[SpurPadre]

I remember when Bonner posted and was outed right away.

If that were true, he never tried to call me out for shitting all over his career and saying that he was the worst player in NBA history to be paid a million.

[Pavlov]

If that were true, he never tried to call me out for shitting all over his career and saying that he was the worst player in NBA history to be paid a million.Why would he give a shit about you?

[SpurPadre]

Why would he give a shit about you?

By that logic, he wouldn't create an account here lol.

[Pavlov]

By that logic, he wouldn't create an account here lol.Yes, he created an account solely because some anonymous edgelord was ranting.

[SpurPadre]

Yes, he created an account solely because some anonymous edgelord was ranting.

Someone was stating that he created an account here and I made light of it. Calm down.

[Pavlov]

Calm down.:lol that's what people here have been telling you

[SAGirl]

Walker did surprisingly nothing at all in his rookie year. Wasn't NBA ready in the least bit it seems. Also oft-injured like his draft profile said
Yea, I don't really have much to say about him. I didn't see enough of him to form an opinion and he was injured in college, came in, re-injured himself... he had catching up to do, in his health, getting in his basketball rhythm, etc. And Pop doesn't put any kind of pressure on rooks anyways. It's what they put in themselves.

Next season I hope is more telling is about his basketball is about all I can say right now.

[phxspurfan]

Yea, I don't really have much to say about him. I didn't see enough of him to form an opinion and he was injured in college, came in, re-injured himself... he had catching up to do, in his health, getting in his basketball rhythm, etc. And Pop doesn't put any kind of pressure on rooks anyways. It's what they put in themselves.

Next season I hope is more telling is about his basketball is about all I can say right now.

tbh I see another season of development needed from him to be anything but a garbage time player. He's that raw/inexperienced. A season in Austin would benefit him greatly.

[exstatic]

tbh I see another season of development needed from him to be anything but a garbage time player. He's that raw/inexperienced. A season in Austin would benefit him greatly.

Your opinion is far different that PATFO's. He wasn't even slated for Austin last year until he was injured. They had plans to play him with the big club.

[Big Empty]

6’4.5 with a 6’10 wing span and 40 inch vertical! Damn kid has all the tools. Hope Lonnie tears it up in summer league like White did last year. I hope he gets regular minutes this year we need him to develop quickly so we can contend again

[Gordy58]

He’s definitely gonna tear up the summer league fairly easily, key for him is to stay healthy and start hitting the 3 at a high level, we all know he’s a shot maker

[cutewizard]

Matt Bonner?????

the real one?

[cutewizard]

We need some sort of small forward type, like Grant Hill or Pressey

[NickiRasgo]

Throwing shade at DJ? :wow

:rollin

https://i.ibb.co/VCNYvrr/FB-IMG-1560661767636.jpg

[Dennis the Menace]

Throwing shade at DJ? :wow

:rollin

https://i.ibb.co/VCNYvrr/FB-IMG-1560661767636.jpg

More like people on Twitter were commenting on his vacation pictures questioning if he’s been in the gym this summer working on improving his game.

Not a big deal

[ace3g]

timvp is this the 20 lbs. you were talking about?

By6d_WbBoSM

[timvp]

timvp is this the 20 lbs. you were talking about?

By6d_WbBoSM

Ya, I guess he wasn't exaggerating ...

[sasaint]

Your opinion is far different that PATFO's. He wasn't even slated for Austin last year until he was injured. They had plans to play him with the big club.

Is that true? How do you know that? I never heard that before. He was terribly raw.

[John B]

timvp (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8) is this the 20 lbs. you were talking about?

By6d_WbBoSM
When he substituted for DDR in the playoffs, tbh I thought that’s it for DDR. I think DDR is getting traded tomorrow for Sekou or similar and more :stirpot::stirpot: Watching his old team ring then getting traded for a draft pick? Dang :wow

[timvp]

timvp is this the 20 lbs. you were talking about?

Other thing to note ... that guy he's working out with is named Packie Turner. Packie rose to fame after his work as a skills coach for Steph Curry.

Safe to say Lonnie is working on his shooting :tu

[ace3g]

By6Gp0RjWsC

[Chinook]

Most potential on the team, and it's not close. He's in an must-keep tier all by himself.

[Marco]

Too much muscles?

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Most potential on the team, and it's not close. He's in an must-keep tier all by himself.

Exactly!

Some of these folks on here aren't trying to hear it though. The guy got hurt and missed Training camp and barely played with the big club. He played solid coming back from injuries in Austin and once he got in his groove San Antonio pulled him from there.

The only thing that's going to hold the kid back is injuries because he seems to truly wanna be a great player. The coaching staff is going to put him on the right path for sure

[szkorhetz]

Most potential on the team, and it's not close. He's in an must-keep tier all by himself.
If he can't stay healthy, ha won't help a lot at all.

[4lifecowboy]

There was talk of trading him on yesterday's local morning show, I thought these fools are out of their f'n minds this kid has the highest ceiling on the roster.

[r0drig0lac]

future star for sure

[acoelho1]

I see a breakout season for Walker for sure. He is electric with the ball in his hands and can get anywhere he wants on the floor with ease and that jump shot is going to be money. Because of our 3 young guards, we will be back in the hunt next year. Book it!

[RC_Drunkford]

Other thing to note ... that guy he's working out with is named Packie Turner. Packie rose to fame after his work as a skills coach for Steph Curry.

Safe to say Lonnie is working on his shooting :tu

so shooting and handles it is? I expect great things from this kid, he got the potential to be a franchise player. Trading him in a draft where you gon get a bunch of role players would be retarded

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1143953321914331136

https://twitter.com/dannysanders80/status/1143891577217134593

[DPG21920]

I know I’m not the only one but I’m on the Lonnie hype train BIG TIME

[DPG21920]

Other thing to note ... that guy he's working out with is named Packie Turner. Packie rose to fame after his work as a skills coach for Steph Curry.

Safe to say Lonnie is working on his shooting :tu

Oh damn - once Lonnie gets that half court pull up 3 down he’s unguardable!!

[slick'81]

Dude is def boom or bust ala samanic. hopefully he booms this season

[DPG21920]

I don’t give a f what anyone says - to get 3 young players with such incredible work ethics is amazing. It’s hard for anyone in this league; even with talent. The fact these 3 have it and work ethic? Sign me up.

[bluebellmaniac]

Oh damn - once Lonnie gets that half court pull up 3 down he’s unguardable!!

Lol!

[slick'81]

Too much muscles?


Absolutely not. Lonnies biggest weakness is college was getting to the line and finishing through contact

[bluebellmaniac]

It's crazy to think, but if he has a great year, maybe spending a year rehabbing and getting stronger and working on his shooting may be the best thing to happen to him.

[Ice009]

I was on the Lonnie Walker IV wagon before last season even started. I wanted to see him play more than anyone else on the team. Dejounte was the other guy I wanted to watch second most after Lonnie. When they both got hurt in the preseason, I thought it was a huge blow. I hope they both come out and show how great I think they can be. Derek, I was also interested to watch, but wasn't as high on him, but he won me over during the season. Didn't have a great playoffs apart from one or two games, but I saw enough to believe he can be great too. I really hope everyone on the team can stay healthy this season and really show what they can do.

[Dex]

Dude is def boom or bust ala samanic. hopefully he booms this season

If even just two of Murray, White, Walker, and Luka pan out the way the Spurs hope they can...we should be in good shape.

We've waited two decades for a real youth movement, and so far, it seems to be in good hands.

[Roscoe P. Coltrane]

This dude will be in the G league again next season.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I don’t give a f what anyone says - to get 3 young players with such incredible work ethics is amazing. It’s hard for anyone in this league; even with talent. The fact these 3 have it and work ethic? Sign me up.

There's the rub though: we don't know that they have "it" to go with the work ethic.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/1144813956831297536

[Chinook]

He'll probably be outshone by Eubanks. I'm a big Walker believer and think he's going to be the best player out of everyone on the roster besides LMA and maybe DeRozan. But there's a ton of hype about him in SL, and it's just too unpredictable.

[John B]

Release the Kraken! :lol:lol

[Harry Callahan]

The Spurs are turning the page on their roster with the young guys from the last four drafts. Hoping for the best. I'm interested in seeing some the new guys in the Summer league. Two thirds of the Spurs key players going forward will be under 25 years old. That is a change.

[Ice009]

https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/1144813956831297536

I can't read the article. Wouldn't mind reading it. Is there a way to read it without registering?

[Dejounte]

I can't read the article. Wouldn't mind reading it. Is there a way to read it without registering?

SAN ANTONIO — The Vans were brand new, not fresh out the box new, but new in a way that they weren’t in Lonnie Walker’s possession for too long. But, despite the risk, Walker still decided to wear the sneakers while completing a messy project helping kids refurbish the playground area at SA Youth Center.

“It’s one of the few times I’ve ever painted,” said Walker, who assisted in painting a lunch table last month at the center and as a result got blue paint on his Vans. “Totally worth it.”

Considering the cost of the Vans, which usually run about $60-$65, and comparing that with the looks on the faces of the youth in attendance, Walker was correct, the blue paint on his sneakers was worth it.

And the thing is, Walker plans to keep the Vans, even though that paint partially ruined the texture.

“I’m going to rock them like this,” Walker said. “Next year, you’ll be like, ‘Are those them Vans?’”

But before next year arrives, Walker has some work to complete beginning July 1 in Salt Lake City to start the Summer League. From there, play will shift to Las Vegas for the NBA’s more significant event, which Walker will attempt to headline for the Spurs, too.

Last July was just the start for Walker. He had to overcome an early injury, but that summer really wasn’t about him anyway. Derrick White was the primary focus, as he was completing Year 2 of Summer League. Usually, in the second year, the Spurs would like to see some growth by the end of July.

White displayed his growth, and Dejounte Murray, Bryn Forbes and Davis Bertans paid their dues in the second year of Summer League action, too. The result was they all received more playing time in Gregg Popovich’s rotation. They all made an impact, and in Forbes and Bertans’ case, were awarded new contracts.

Walker isn’t at that point yet, but it would help the Spurs if he too could have a productive summer, as the Spurs could use his athleticism, playmaking and, most importantly in Popovich’s system, defense next season.

And Walker fully understands and accepts the challenge that awaits him over the next three weeks. He’s been preparing for these upcoming moments since May.

Getting his body right
Usually, for younger players who join the Spurs, when their first, or in some cases, second season concludes, they head right to the gym to get back to work the next day or two. It’s not uncommon to check a player’s Instagram story or Snapchat and find they are recording videos from a gym.

So, when Walker was asked what he did once the Spurs were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the postseason, he quickly responded how he got right back to work. After a few seconds to think about it, Walker provided another answer.

“I actually slept,” Walker said. “I’m not going to sit here and lie. I actually slept. I was knocked out.”

When you think about all that Walker experienced his first season in the NBA, he did need some rest. Count the 29 games he played in the G League, add that to his time spent with the parent squad, the back-and-forth traveling from San Antonio to Austin, sometimes right after a game, and just the day-to-day grind of staying in shape and continuing to work on his game.

Walker went on a brief vacation before returning to the gym, but even while he was away, he started the process of working on his body. Walker lifted weights and transformed fat into muscle. He went from around 200 pounds and will be entering Utah at 208.

“That was my point of emphasis,” Walker said. “To be stronger, more prepared.”

But, as Walker would say, “it’s more than just lifting.” He also had to change his diet and develop better recovery habits. Walker is a fan of the fast food restaurant Church’s Chicken, but he knew he had to eat less of that and more healthful items.

Photo by Jabari Young/The Athletic
(Jabari Young / The Athletic)
He spoke with the Spurs about hiring a personal chef, and the team did the rest. They connected Walker with local chef Beveylon Concha. Some of the items she prepared for Walker included avocado wraps, pasta and spaghetti.

“The good thing about the Spurs is once you’re part of the family, you’re part of the family,” Walker said when asked about the team’s help in finding him a chef. “So, whatever you ask for, if you need some help, they’re a phone call away.”

After his change in diet, Walker’s routine for rest was altered a bit, too. He now tries to be in bed by 11 p.m. and up by 7 a.m. to begin his day before heading to the practice facility.

“You have to make sure you sleep,” Walker said. “That plays a huge part. After lifting and working out, you got to give your body some time to recover. You can’t go to sleep at 3 in the morning and wake up at 7 and do the same thing again because that’s just not healthy. So, making sure I maintain a consistent sleep schedule and trying to stay healthy for when you go to Utah and that altitude changes. All that eating and sleeping plays a huge part.”

Being vocal
At the first media session for the Spurs’ Summer League squad, Walker’s revised body was noticeable. His increase in muscle mass stood out, and something else did as well.

In the middle of a drill, Austin Spurs coach Blake Ahearn, who will serve as the coach for the Utah squad, stopped the action to make a point but was interrupted by Walker, who made it for him from a player’s perspective. It showed Ahearn, who has probably seen Walker more than most in the organization, as he coached the University of Miami product in the G League, that Walker grew in the leadership department.

Ahearn was impressed by Walker being more vocal, and he knows that’s an area that Popovich likes to see young players develop, too.

“That’s great,” Ahearn said. “That’s what you want to see because at the end of the day your voice gets tired. I’m tired of hearing my voice, and it’s good when those guys step up, especially for Lonnie.”

Ahearn remembered a crucial game in which Walker gained the most experience, which probably assisted in his emergence when it comes to on-court leadership.

In the Feb. 6 contest against the then-defending champs Golden State Warriors, Popovich threw Walker to the wolves starting in the first quarter at the 3:16 mark. That was the game Walker had a real run to gain a better feel for what the NBA was about on the court.

One could make the case it was Walker’s worst game of the year, at least shooting the ball. He finished 0-of-10, four points, three rebounds and three assists in a season-high 25 minutes. Ahearn said Walker often spoke about that game as the contest in which he gained the most game experience.

“The development stage is all about guys learning and progressing,” Ahearn said.

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
(Soobum Im / USA Today)
And speaking of the progressing aspect, Walker feels he’s prepared to showcase what he’s been working on behind the scenes. With the help of development coaches, Walker and other young players have been concentrating on finishing around the basket with layups above the square and floaters. When Walker has participated in shooting drills, it’s been working on corner 3-pointers.

“On defense,” Walker said, “just being a dog. Being able to guard whoever they want me to guard, knowing what I can and cannot do (depending on) who I’m guarding. How to get over screens; when to get under screens. Those are the main things.”

It’s here that Walker makes it known that this summer will not only be about his ability to score. He knows the one area that will keep him on the court, and it’s obeying Popovich’s mandatory effort on defense.

“It’s not about trying to score 35 points,” Walker said. “It’s about how does he look defensively? Is he running to the corner? Is he fighting over screens? Is he going under screens when he needs to, staying in front of his man?

“I know what they want me to do, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do coming into the Summer League. It’s not about all the (hoopla). It’s about playing the right way; playing the Spurs way and earning Pop’s trust.”

Back to the Vans
Though the game against the Warriors was the contest in which he gained tons of experience, most will recall the April 3 outing against the Denver Nuggets. That was no doubt Walker’s best game of the 17 he played with the Spurs.

Walker scored a season-high 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting and went 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. But there was a particular play that still stands out in that game when Walker was ready to posterize Trey Lyles. The attempt appeared so impactful, most of the Nuggets’ bench — Lyles’ teammates — were prepared to erupt had Walker finished the job.

The moment couldn’t be completed though, as Walker turned it into a finger-roll attempt. Standing feet away from that blue table he just helped paint, Walker acknowledged he still has flashbacks of that potential dunk.

“It slipped out my hands, and I had to finger roll it,” he said. “Hopefully I can get another one.”



That moment could come over the next few weeks. Maybe Monday, when the Spurs open play against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Walker will change his decision, midair, and convert a poster-like dunk.

But one thing he will never change is the decision to sport those new Vans to help kids paint. As a kid growing up in Reading, Pa., Walker understands how much his presence can make an impact, especially in his current role as a Spur.

“It goes a long way,” Walker said. “The fact that I could be here and participate and help out, it was fantastic.”

Before he took off for the day after the Spurs’ first practice Thursday, Walker was reminded of those Vans. It’s been a few weeks since he visited SA Youth Center, and it was assumed that Walker changed his mind and got rid of the shoes.

Holding true to his word, though, Walker noted those sneakers are still in his possession.

“C’mon man,” Walker said. “(The Vans) with the blue paint in the front? I wore them yesterday; I’m not throwing them away. Vans go with anything. They can look terrible, and you can still put them on.”

And he might wear them again in Utah and Las Vegas. But make no mistake, no matter his attire, Walker is ready to take the next step and earn his minutes next season.

“I’m ready to show my talent,” he said. “But not only that, I’m ready to play team ball.”

(Photo of Lonnie Walker: Brian Babineau / Getty Images)

What did you think of this story?

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Jabari Young is a Staff Writer for The Athletic, covering the San Antonio Spurs. He has covered the Spurs since 2013 for the San Antonio Express-News and spent one season covering the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014-15. Follow Jabari on Twitter @JabariJYoung.

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[acoelho1]

No need to temper excitement after seeing him play last year. He’s going to make a serious jump this year and his talent is undeniable.

[TDomination]

Dejounte was the guy i was most looking forward to seeing play last year.
Now with the rise of Derrick White and the addition of Lonnie Walker, I'm very excited to see all 3 of these guys.

Lonnie i think has the potential to be the best of the 3 if he develops properly. Can't wait

[playbonner15]

LW4 has the toolset but I think he needs the ball too much to be effective. I was expecting him to be more of a defender who can dunk but he's more comfortable scoring. I dont think he's the guy who's gonna breakout this season. Hope im wrong though

[Dennis the Menace]

Murray, White, Walker the future. Nailed 3/3 consecutive draft picks, that doesn’t happen often

[SpursDynasty85]

LW4 has the toolset but I think he needs the ball too much to be effective. I was expecting him to be more of a defender who can dunk but he's more comfortable scoring. I dont think he's the guy who's gonna breakout this season. Hope im wrong though

That's fine. It looks he loves spot one two dribble pull ups. White, Murray got the defenisve part. He can trail and block shots off the backboard. Lol. He is too green least give him 2 years of development specially with his two injuries the past 2 years. He had no big program experience until last year. Miami he lost half a season too.

[GusT15]

LW4 has the toolset but I think he needs the ball too much to be effective. I was expecting him to be more of a defender who can dunk but he's more comfortable scoring. I dont think he's the guy who's gonna breakout this season. Hope im wrong though

He's 20 years old.You can "teach" catch and shoot and offensive movement into space to a 20year old.

(And that's coming from a fan that wasn't at all impressed with what he saw from Walker as a rookie)

[GAustex]

Walker did not play enough meaningful minutes last year to judge but
After a poor early start of being lost on defense-lacking presence and easily getting picked and only engaging on offense when he had the ball otherwise standing around with his hand in the air
Later in the season there were improvements on D and off the ball movement
Maybe just maybe he gets it
He sure seems to have tools for success
The question is does he have the mental make up to be a difference and can he stay healthy

[MoSpur02]

If he develops a consistent corner 3 and gets better on defense as far as knowing where to be then he's going to be a huge asset for the Spurs.

[pad300]

timvp is this the 20 lbs. you were talking about?

By6d_WbBoSM

Anybody know what that blue thing he's standing on is for?

[K...]

Anybody know what that blue thing he's standing on is for?

probably a balance aide, to toughen up the ankle, cuz you know

[Roscoe P. Coltrane]

Murray, White, Walker the future. Nailed 3/3 consecutive draft picks, that doesn’t happen oftenHow do you know they nailed 3 out of 3 Walker hasn't shown anything.

[look_at_g_shred]

If he develops a consistent corner 3 and gets better on defense as far as knowing where to be then he's going to be a huge asset for the Spurs.
Could be Prime Shumpert 2.0

[BackHome]

Anyone who new what he had to go through surgery recovering from surgery missing valuable practice with the team. Then playing with G League and off course looking bad his first few games but he started to get better every game. Even when he got called up his first game he was lost but the last one they had him pretty much bringing the ball up playing PG and his awareness was just so much better it was like night and day.

i think he can be like Manu being the guy off the bench who can create that spark really looking forward to next season.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I've been saying from the jump that out of all the young players he has the best chance to be special. I hope he looks great in these Summer League games and makes it through them healthy.

I hope him and Samanic look really good.

[tim_duncan_fan]

How do you know they nailed 3 out of 3 Walker hasn't shown anything.

Neither of them REALLY has. Just flashes.

This next year is going to be interesting, potentially in a couple of different ways.

What if we did hit on all 3?

But what if we missed?

Interesting, interesting, interesting.

[EricB]

Ones already been all nba defense second team and has shown marked improvement offensively. Making n all nba anything I’d say is hitting on something but, spurs fans gonna spurs fan.

[Ice009]

Thanks for reposting the article, Dejounte. I could read it before.

[Gordy58]

We ALL KNOW Jabari Young Lurks here. Could this reposting of The Atlantic Article be cause for some noise..............
Wait really? How do you know

[SAGirl]

He'll probably be outshone by Eubanks. I'm a big Walker believer and think he's going to be the best player out of everyone on the roster besides LMA and maybe DeRozan. But there's a ton of hype about him in SL, and it's just too unpredictable.
I am just hoping to watch him play and him not get injured. I will always remember Murray shitting himself in summer league and then becoming a rotation player so I’ll keep a better perspective. I just want to watch the guy stay healthy.

[spurraider21]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJnyh4RK0Ps

[cjw]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJnyh4RK0Ps

Now just gotta find a clip of his postgame interview. Crediting Chip and work the organization is putting in with him, and talking about what he’s improving.

Nice to have a guy who isn’t a mute and knows coaching staff by name.

[cool cat]

Now just gotta find a clip of his postgame interview. Crediting Chip and work the organization is putting in with him, and talking about what he’s improving.

Nice to have a guy who isn’t a mute and knows coaching staff by name.

Kawhi thought the head coach on the Raps was part of the medical staff because his name was Nurse.

[hombre]

JabariJYoung (https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung)
... pasta and spaghetti.


Seriously dude?

[exstatic]

Wait really? How do you know

YGWHI IS JY.

[Chris]

Fm0AqF6f0r0

[SouthTexasRancher]

I know I’m not the only one but I’m on the Lonnie hype train BIG TIME


Count me in as well. :tu

[Pavlov]

I'm not feeling Walker's iso potential as much as some others here. I think he lacks some decision-making/creativity at the NBA level. I suppose he can develop that, but I think he is currently far more productive off screens and in transition. I also happen to think that's more desirable for what I'd like a Spurs offense to be.

[John B]

Very athletic but needs to slow down his game. He reminds me of those MIB aliens ransacking the coffee bar. Slow down then explode

[LittleCriminal]

Walker cut his hair off???

[SpursDynasty85]

I'm not feeling Walker's iso potential as much as some others here. I think he lacks some decision-making/creativity at the NBA level. I suppose he can develop that, but I think he is currently far more productive off screens and in transition. I also happen to think that's more desirable for what I'd like a Spurs offense to be.

I think people look at his athletic potential and just assume he's an elite scorer at the NBA level. Its obvious he is still a young fish looking to learn.

[DJR210]

Walker cut his hair off???

He was trolling on Insta.. Probably just routine trimming of the pineapple

[JADG79]

I'm not feeling Walker's iso potential as much as some others here. I think he lacks some decision-making/creativity at the NBA level. I suppose he can develop that, but I think he is currently far more productive off screens and in transition. I also happen to think that's more desirable for what I'd like a Spurs offense to be.

Totally agree, the lack of decision making is obvious, he is not a passer/creator or a good shooter, he like to shoot out of balance most of the time, he score because of his physical abilities but is not an efficient player.

I would like to see him playing in not garbage time to see if he can play in the system with experienced players around him.

I think it will be difficult for him to compete for minutes against Marco/Patty/Bryn who are trusted players of Pop.

[DAF86]

If he ever develops into an all-star type player, he seems to be of the "empty calories" type. I want to but I can't really get too excited about this guy.

[SAGirl]

I am not hyped up about him precisely bc if the empty calories variety ^ but he’s still too young IMO. I am now a lot more careful making sweeping predictions on very young guys bc at the very beginning all one can see is just athletic and physical aptitude. If the player can put it all together it’s going to take hard work, effort and time.

[ceperez]

I am not hyped up about him precisely bc if the empty calories variety ^ but he’s still too young IMO. I am now a lot more careful making sweeping predictions on very young guys bc at the very beginning all one can see is just athletic and physical aptitude. If the player can put it all together it’s going to take hard work, effort and time.

I agree that he shows a lot of athleticism, but so do many other 2nd round picks and undrafted players. I just don't see yet that feel for the basketball game.

[Russ]

If he ever develops into an all-star type player, he seems to be of the "empty calories" type. I want to but I can't really get too excited about this guy.

I think his best role might be a Vinny Johnson-type scoring spark plug off the bench.

But he's going to have to dramatically improve his court awareness to do even that.

He seems to lack both self awareness and court awareness (he doesn't know what he doesn't know).

That said, he seems like a good guy and he has a puncher's chance of figuring it all out (once he realizes he needs to).

[TD 21]

If he ever develops into an all-star type player, he seems to be of the "empty calories" type. I want to but I can't really get too excited about this guy.

Yeah, I don't want to jump the gun or rule anything out, but that's my gut feel too. He basically seems like a LaVine type, only in true Spurs fashion, he's 3 adverse.

The hope is that, unlike LaVine, who came in on a re-building team and was handed a significant role relatively early, he'll have to earn his minutes and he'll have to do so at first by playing a 3 and D role.

[BackHome]

Fm0AqF6f0r0

Dude your picture had me rolling..I had to do a second look...:spin

[GAustex]

I think his best role might be a Vinny Johnson-type scoring spark plug off the bench.

But he's going to have to dramatically improve his court awareness to do even that.

He seems to lack both self awareness and court awareness (he doesn't know what he doesn't know).

That said, he seems like a good guy and he has a puncher's chance of figuring it all out (once he realizes he needs to).

Excellent summary of what he needs to improve::the lack of both self and court awareness

Some his shots last game reminded me of DDR-terrible shots at the time when a good shot was needed.

[picnroll]

I'm not feeling Walker's iso potential as much as some others here. I think he lacks some decision-making/creativity at the NBA level. I suppose he can develop that, but I think he is currently far more productive off screens and in transition. I also happen to think that's more desirable for what I'd like a Spurs offense to be.
Watched his SL makes and he seems to be an early clock iso player driving to the rim or step back jumpers.. That was 9/11 shots in the highlights with only two where he even used a pick. He can get his own shot , at least at SL level of play.

[Pavlov]

Watched his SL makes and he seems to be an early clock iso player driving to the rim or step back jumpers.. That was 9/11 shots in the highlights with only two where he even used a pick. He can get his own shot , at least at SL level of play.Sure he's at his best driving when defenses aren't set but his traditional halfcourt isos just don't really get him to the rim in the NBA at this point. I'm going by everything I've seen from him this past year. He might have the tools to make it work in the future but that time isn't now IMO. Step backs like you said and developing a floater should be priorities if they're going to try to make him a regular iso player.

[tim_duncan_fan]

His jump shot looks pure af

[BatManu20]

Played well on both ends.

[GAustex]

He’s a high flyer with some talent
Hope he can stay healthy
Lots of high stress jumps he has

[phxspurfan]

Did Lonnie cause the earthquake? Wasn't watching but he dropped 28 in 23 mins?

[Chris]

Dude your picture had me rolling..I had to do a second look...:spin

:bobo

[RC_Drunkford]

He just needs consistent minutes off the bench this season. If he's in the rotation that will really accelarate his development. He can be the secondary scorer off the bench next to Rudy and then go from there

[C-Dub]

He just needs consistent minutes off the bench this season. If he's in the rotation that will really accelarate his development. He can be the secondary scorer off the bench next to Rudy and then go from there

[Harry Callahan]

Can you imagine Walker being an instant offense guy - a sixth man? I think Murray, White, and Walker will be fun to watch in the coming years.

[picnroll]

We have the mid-range shot championship in the bag. :lobt:

[C-Dub]

I say LW4 come of the bench as well to give a spark but I would have Rudy start at the PF position if the Spurs don't sign another true vig. Carroll I believe is to small to start the game at the 4 most nights but can get minutes at the 4 during games. I see this lineup being the most beneficial:

1. DJM, Forbes, DDR, Gay, LMA
2. White, Mills, LW4, Carroll, Po
3. Beli, KJ, Luka, Bertans. Metu

That is a deep team but I don't believe that Bertans and Beli are not going to rot on the bench as 3rd stringers. With that being said I can see the Spurs including one of Bertans or Beli with Metu to for future picks to try and clear some more money to sign a quality true vig. Let's say we can get Boogie for a 2 year 30 mil like Danny just received from the Lakers. Spurs can do this with the savings that they will get by getting rid of Beli and the rest of the MLE. If something like this happens then we are in contention and DDR, LMA, Mills and Boogie would/could be off the books in 2 years and our young prospects will be ready to lead the way. With that being said I see this lineup:

1. DDR, Forbes, DDR, LMA, DC
2. White, Mills, LW4, Carroll, Po
3. KJ, Luka, Bertans, Old Vet

Bertans will be playing with the 2nd unit a lot, switching out with any one in that 2nd lineup that's not playing well because that unit can be moved around position wise. White can play the 1, 2 or 3. Mills can play the 1 or 2. Bertans can play the 3 or 4. KJ may even get some minutes in the 2nd unit can play the 2 or 3. Luka is still at least a year away from getting real minutes consistently is why you hold on to Bertans. We all know that White should be starting over Forbes but Forbes provides pure 3pt shooting that the starting unit will need for floor spacing and we all know that Bertans should be in that 2nd unit before Mills but we also are aware of the leader of the Coffee Gang will play regardless.

[Chris]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1148376466482089984

Lebronnie Walker :wow

[slick'81]

They dont call him skywalker for nothing

[Chris]

^yup

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1148377720872562688

[BD24]

Lonnie looking pretty damn good today tbh

[YGWHI]

Lonnie looking pretty damn good today tbh
Not just today. His last game was impressive too.

[BD24]

Not just today. His last game was impressive too.
Yep. He has looked like a man among boys so far this summer

[poopbox]

Only Lonnie can save us from the mills / forbes backup guard roles :cry

[ace3g]

Only Lonnie can save us from the mills / forbes backup guard roles :cry

I'll say it again, Pop has no excuses to play those 2 together with the roster we have this season.

[TimDunkem]

I'll say it again, Pop has no excuses to play those 2 together with the roster we have this season.

Pop needs his "leader" on the floor; Mills will get minutes. It just "wouldn't be fair" if he didn't...Also, you have to justify that absurd contract somehow.

[poopbox]

I'll say it again, Pop has no excuses to play those 2 together with the roster we have this season.

I agree but I think he absolutely will...

I see a lot of talk about should White start or come off the bench...I think White starts and a big part of the reason is so it gives Pop an excuse to run Mills at backup point...cause if White comes off the bench he should be playing backup point and then you got Patty as the odd man out...

I feel if Lonnie plays well enough in summer league though it forces Pop to play him some at the backup 2...which means he playing with mills or forbes instead of those guys together...

But yeah I feel like Lonnie is going to be in for a long season because every chance pop gets to pull him he will to put coffee gang in the game

[TimDunkem]

The only real odd man out - realistically speaking - would be Belinelli. Pop loves Forbes and Mills too much to sit them.

Also, as others have said, if White is getting SG minutes then Pop has his excuse to play Forbes and Mills heavy backup PG/ third string guard minutes.

[phxspurfan]

:pop: Still hasn't gotten over himself, back to the G-League :pop:

[raybies]

mook gonna steal this guy in the face lol

[RC_Drunkford]

Pop will play Walker as the back up 3. One of Forbes or Mills will be the back up SG

[Solid D]

The improvement in his game year-over-year is incredible. He actually plays defense now. Quite a transformation! He must have taken the basketball red pill.

[212094ever]

No reason not to get rid of 2 of Forbes/Mills/Belinelli

[3&D_TBH]

No reason not to get rid of 2 of Forbes/Mills/Belinelli I would keep Forbes out of those three tbh

[EricB]

Pop needs his "leader" on the floor; Mills will get minutes. It just "wouldn't be fair" if he didn't...Also, you have to justify that absurd contract somehow.

seeing as Pop and Mills both agreed he’s to be an end of the bench guy for the youngsters.... that would be news to them. But hey, keep pulling bullshit out of your ass thinking you know how theybqoke andinsulting a guy you’ve never met.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I'll say it again, Pop has no excuses to play those 2 together with the roster we have this season.

Barring injuries or load management games, you ain't never lied!

[EricB]

If he ever develops into an all-star type player, he seems to be of the "empty calories" type. I want to but I can't really get too excited about this guy.


Lmfao Jesus H fucking Christ, god this fanbase sucks.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Lmfao Jesus H fucking Christ, god this fanbase sucks.

Right? It's ok to be just a shot-maker, if that is what he becomes.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Lmfao Jesus H fucking Christ, god this fanbase sucks.

It isn't the fan base....... I'm starting to think it's just the mindset of people on this site. Smh

[DAF86]

Lmfao Jesus H fucking Christ, god this fanbase sucks.

Dude, just stop being a fucking faggot a shut the fuck up for a bit.

[Mugen]

:lol

[TimDunkem]

seeing as Pop and Mills both agreed he’s to be an end of the bench guy for the youngsters.... that would be news to them. But hey, keep pulling bullshit out of your ass thinking you know how theybqoke andinsulting a guy you’ve never met.

Learn to fucking type and maybe I'll listen to what you have to say. Until then, shut the fuck up faggot.

[south side spur]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBi-D_s81lk

[ceperez]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBi-D_s81lk

Impressed at his social consciousness.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/richterific/status/1151837287250059264

[FkLA]

Right? It's ok to be just a shot-maker, if that is what he becomes.

It is ok but it also lowers his ceiling significantly and makes him less exciting of a prospect than an all-around beast like White. Or even IB if he learns to shoot. I can definitely see the Zach Levine/JR Smith empty calorie type comparisons. They never had the Spurs' guidance, development program, and system though so hopefully that is the difference.

[ismael-robert]

Lmfao Jesus H fucking Christ, god this fanbase sucks.

With that much blasphemy in one post you made yourself one of the worst

[Drom John]

I also see a lot of empty offensive stats, that OTOH, might fill the seats more than DeRozan's scoring.
I also see above average defense, both team and individual.
If true, then I see Walker taking the plurality of Belinelli, Forbes and Mills minutes in the second half of this season.
For the first half, I see Johnson getting the call ups when Gay rests. Walker comes up only in the rarer times that Belinelli, Forbes and Mills don't suit up.

[exstatic]

I also see a lot of empty offensive stats, that OTOH, might fill the seats more than DeRozan's scoring.
I also see above average defense, both team and individual.
If true, then I see Walker taking the plurality of Belinelli, Forbes and Mills minutes in the second half of this season.
For the first half, I see Johnson getting the call ups when Gay rests. Walker comes up only in the rarer times that Belinelli, Forbes and Mills don't suit up.

Walker will be in SA full time. You can only farm two of your 15 man NBA roster out to Austin at a time. This year, that is KJ and Luka.

[ceperez]

I also see a lot of empty offensive stats, that OTOH, might fill the seats more than DeRozan's scoring.
I also see above average defense, both team and individual.
If true, then I see Walker taking the plurality of Belinelli, Forbes and Mills minutes in the second half of this season.
For the first half, I see Johnson getting the call ups when Gay rests. Walker comes up only in the rarer times that Belinelli, Forbes and Mills don't suit up.

Let's not discount a player before he actually plays.

[SpursDynasty85]

It is ok but it also lowers his ceiling significantly and makes him less exciting of a prospect than an all-around beast like White. Or even IB if he learns to shoot. I can definitely see the Zach Levine/JR Smith empty calorie type comparisons. They never had the Spurs' guidance, development program, and system though so hopefully that is the difference.

What is your expectations of him? Do you think he can make an all-star game? Walker is so young, the play-making part will come along over the next 4-5 years. Looks like his scoring can be pretty elite right away. White was both great and disappointing last year. He has to attack the basket more aggressively and shoot that 3 better. Can't wait to see our young core in action!

[picnroll]

I’m betting Walker’s given significant minutes, with those minutes he’ll show significant, by the end of the year, if he stays healthy, Spurs will have themselves a very good player. Pop knows things ride on Murray, White, Walker’s improvement and they’ll all get a role. Forbes too.

[exstatic]

I’m betting summer league doesn’t mean shit, and they told him to look for his shot.

[tim_duncan_fan]

The funny thing is that being a lights out scorer that isn't a traffic cone is exactly what we need from him.

[EricB]

Learn to fucking type and maybe I'll listen to what you have to say. Until then, shut the fuck up faggot.


Homophobic slurs. Very mature.

[EricB]

I’m betting summer league doesn’t mean shit, and they told him to look for his shot.


Ding ding ding.

[timtonymanu]

Learn to fucking type and maybe I'll listen to what you have to say. Until then, shut the fuck up faggot.

It's not easy to type when you have supersize fingers like Eric

[RC_Drunkford]

Points off the bench are not empty stats. Defense will come along as the season progresses. Walker will score in bunches

[Ice009]

I don't know, doesn't seem like a lot of people are really high on Lonnie, but as for myself, I've been very excited about him since before that start of last season. I hope he does well. I also hope White and Dejounte do well too, and that's not solely because I/we need them to for the Spurs to do great, but because I actually really like all three of them. They seem like good/great young men. I think the Spurs picked some good quality people with those picks and I hope they do great on the court.

[FkLA]

It's not easy to type when you have supersize fingers like Eric

damn :lol

[BatManu20]

Automatic.

1156279688219844609

[r0drig0lac]

the next superstar

[Seventyniner]

Automatic.

1156279688219844609

Matt Bonner just yawned.