Lonnie Walker Appreciation Thread

[SpursDynasty85]

Automatic.

1156279688219844609

Beautiful. I love how high the arc is on his shot. I was skeptical but now I really do see future all-star in him if he can stay healthy.

[cd98]

He looks good. But most NBA players do in warm ups. It's about can you do it in the game.

One of the things I enjoy when I go to the games is to watch warm ups before the game starts and after halftime. You watch even the scrubs and they have perfect ball rotation and mostly a smooth shot and they can hit from threes and twos etc. But doing it against defense with pressure of time and game consequences changes the confidence in the shot.

That said, he's been a good shooter in summer league, so hopefully it translates to the big boy league.

[exstatic]

A shooting stroke like that, plus a 40" vertical? Daaaamn.

[picnroll]

He looks good. But most NBA players do in warm ups. It's about can you do it in the game.

One of the things I enjoy when I go to the games is to watch warm ups before the game starts and after halftime. You watch even the scrubs and they have perfect ball rotation and mostly a smooth shot and they can hit from threes and twos etc. But doing it against defense with pressure of time and game consequences changes the confidence in the shot.

That said, he's been a good shooter in summer league, so hopefully it translates to the big boy league.

You obviously weren’t watching Poeltl.

Nice that Walker was 2-3 ft behind the three point line and at the top of the key. With his ability to drive that’s where he wants to be a three point threat from.

[hombre]

Young Spurs gonna be fun to watch together.

[RC_Drunkford]

Automatic.

1156279688219844609

he only made 1 shot and they looped the video:spin

[San Antonio Slayer]

is there any footage of DDR shooting 3-pointers?

[spurspl]

pretty impresive, but i wanna see this automatic during the game. Keep workin, we need 3pt shooter so badly.

[GusT15]

is there any footage of DDR shooting 3-pointers?

Sure


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIDuwLC51tc

[spurspl]

Sure


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIDuwLC51tc

hahahhahahah yeah i know thats not funny but sg who cannot hit 3s is a joke. Id beat him with my eyes closed and im available for 500k per year. Thats 27mil save. PATFO call me :spin

[John B]

he only made 1 shot and they looped the video:spin
Should be legit bruh if you check the net closely. Of course that's shooting without defense. But he has great forms. I’m really excited for this guy.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1156668847220547585

[Ignazzz]

dd post

[Ignazzz]

hahahhahahah yeah i know thats not funny but sg who cannot hit 3s is a joke. Id beat him with my eyes closed and im available for 500k per year. Thats 27mil save. PATFO call me :spin
after Trade spurs are below tax line
CBA rule- Trade can be done +/-5.000.000
so if Your sałary is 500.000 a can be a filler for DDR Trade for 21.500.000

[ace3g]

B0uHcATh5_R

[Jsmoothexpress]

B0uHcATh5_R
If he can stay healthy. He can end up being something special in the league. I like that he seems to have a work ethic and desire to improve. Actually majority of our young core all seem to value those same qualities.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1156668847220547585

sign Gucci, he a better 3-point shooter than DDR

[TimDunkem]

Really though. What excuse does a shooting guard in today's game have to not be able to shoot the 3?

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1158880360593330179

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1158860411954978816

[SpurPadre]

is there any footage of DDR shooting 3-pointers?

He's too busy getting dunked on by 10 year olds, tbh.

[SpurPadre]

https://twitter.com/RealTomPetrini/status/1156668847220547585

Uh oh...Pop won't like him associating with rappers. He'll rot in the bench for half the season now

[exstatic]

Uh oh...Pop won't like him associating with rappers. He'll rot in the bench for half the season now

You’re such an edgelord.

[Joseph Kony]

You’re such an edgelord.
the font color implies sarcasm

[KobesAchilles]

I’ve been hearing that the Spurs are super high on him going into next season. Gonna suck for Lonnie though having to justify why he should play over Marco and Patty when he shits all over them every practice.

[timtonymanu]

Ugh Marco. Sucks some of us got our hopes up that the team would dump him and he’s still on the damn roster.

[SpurPadre]

You’re such an edgelord.


the font color implies sarcasm

Yes, it was sarcasm. I thought everyone here knew about the blue font meaning here.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/SASpurs5/status/1163305765433745408

[Seventyniner]

Yes, it was sarcasm. I thought everyone here knew about the blue font meaning here.

Yes, everyone does.

[spurraider21]

https://twitter.com/SASpurs5/status/1163305765433745408
IB IVth

[John B]

I’ve been hearing that the Spurs are super high on him going into next season. Gonna suck for Lonnie though having to justify why he should play over Marco and Patty when he shits all over them every practice.

[dabom6]

https://twitter.com/SASpurs5/status/1163305765433745408

Smooth bruh.

[ace3g]

B1XcOvjBIS_

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/alexbazzell24/status/1167089649820590080

[PuzzBeterson]

Impressed at his social consciousness.

Impressed by he fits in that car

[ismael-robert]

2020 MIP

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/alexbazzell24/status/1174131401228079105

[John B]

https://twitter.com/alexbazzell24/status/1174131401228079105
He got speed to make this work. But I can’t imagine that he didn’t get this from watching Manu who’s an expert on misdirection moves.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/GeorgeLangberg/status/1184874370281410567

[RC_Drunkford]

Like I said, he might be a better player than DeRozan ever was by the end of the season. All he has to do is shoot 50% on 2-point shots while playing defense like he did against Houston consistently

[dbestpro]

Pop is looking to Walker to be the backup SF. He is finding his role and moving up the pecking order.

[Fireball]

Pop is looking to Walker to be the backup SF. He is finding his role and moving up the pecking order.

but this needs to happen this season ... so far this preseason not much points in the direction that Lonnie gets regular rotation minutes of a "first back up" ...

[John B]

Who else in here thinks Lonnie has more Star potential than either Murray and White. Dang this guy could downright overpower his guy with his strong body. He’s freaking fast going down transition offense. And his lockdown defense is starting to come around and at 20?

[SpursDynasty85]

Who else in here thinks Lonnie has more Star potential than either Murray and White. Dang this guy could downright overpower his guy with his strong body. He’s freaking fast going down transition offense. And his lockdown defense is starting to come around and at 20?

Injury concerns are thr buggest concerns. Pther than that. He is destined to be at least a 6th man of the year candidate as his lowest floor.

[RC_Drunkford]

the leap this kid has made in 1 year on both ends is immense

[emanueldavidginobili]

It’s a travesty that Marco is playing before Lonnie. Especially in preseason, it’s disgusting tbh at least give Lonnie an chance in preseason. There’s not any other team in the entire league that would play Marco before Lonnie.

This team needs someone just like Lonnie in this day and age of basketball but Pop will continue to trot out a 33 year old who can’t cover a statue and you wouldn’t be able to slip a piece of paper under his feet if he jumped.

[FkLA]

The fact that Pop put him out there in the 4th with the closing line up of White, DD, Rudy, LMA was a little encouraging atleast. There's no doubt that initially he'll roll with Beli but I'm hoping that by midseason or so Pop has made the switch to Lonnie. Maybe an injury to Beli can fast track it like Gasol/Poetl.

[SpursDynasty85]

The fact that Pop put him out there in the 4th with the closing line up of White, DD, Rudy, LMA was a little encouraging atleast. There's no doubt that initially he'll roll with Beli but I'm hoping that by midseason or so Pop has made the switch to Lonnie. Maybe an injury to Beli can fast track it like Gasol/Poetl.

This was always my expected table of Walker taking Belli's minutes. Spurs already tried trading Belli and they will try again before all star break. Lonnie will get his chance to break the rotation not be given it.

[Seventyniner]

Like I said, he might be a better player than DeRozan ever was by the end of the season. All he has to do is shoot 50% on 2-point shots while playing defense like he did against Houston consistently

Come on now. Lonnie will have to make at least 3 huge leaps to get to that level.

[TDomination]

The fact that Pop put him out there in the 4th with the closing line up of White, DD, Rudy, LMA was a little encouraging atleast. There's no doubt that initially he'll roll with Beli but I'm hoping that by midseason or so Pop has made the switch to Lonnie. Maybe an injury to Beli can fast track it like Gasol/Poetl.
Yes this was very encouraging

knowing pop, since I know he won’t just trot him out there. He’ll play walker here and there with the first team during games to get his feet wet. I think he’ll start with like 10mpg and then by December it will be 15mpg. Then if walker can hopefully make the most of his minutes, Pop will finally realize by February to go fully with Walker instead of Beli. DDR hitting 3s and Murray can help this too. Only reason Beli plays cause of his shooting.

ill give him credit, Beli can get hot and it’s nice when he make like 4 in a row like he did a few times last year. But his mpg are too high. He needs to play a 2003 Steve Kerr role imo. Use him when no one can hit a shot which happens and he becomes very valuable. But playing 20-25mpg over a potential future star in Walker is just a no no.

Also an injury could fast track this.

[wildbill2u]

Lonnie got in the game late and did what shooters do. He shot it. I said before that Walker and White should be our guards off the bench first. De Rozen is just going to have to play SF

[acoelho1]

Lonnie should be getting all of Marco's minutes but I don't think that will happen early. My guess is Pop will get more frustrated as the season goes on with his piss poor defense and eventually come to his senses to play Walker more. One thing that always annoyed me about Pop is treating every vet like their a superstar that deserve minutes despite their deficiencies.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qHwjfUWbGw

[Spurs Homer]

:pop:

“two more seasons in Austin and Lonnie might be able to give Marco a few minutes off here and there!”

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1213120410159591429

[acoelho1]

For a layup, that was pretty sick. Pop is looking dumber by each game for not playing this kid more. Him starting over Forbes is a nobrainer.

[r0drig0lac]

https://twitter.com/DonHarris4/status/1213185745680314369
https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[RC_Drunkford]

https://twitter.com/DonHarris4/status/1213185745680314369
:lol

TimVP is that you? Pop clearly doesn't know what he's doing, but apparently only Spurs fans know about it

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/MattEsposito_/status/1257454254043922434

[slick'81]

Poor lonnie. Still waiting for patty and forbes to gtfo of the way

[baseline bum]

His ceiling is probably Jordan minus the getting his dad killed over gambling debts.

[lefty]

His ceiling is probably Jordan minus the getting his dad killed over gambling debts.

Page 23 bro

Page 23

[Ocotillo]

The Esposito article cites a number of stats with the qualifier of they are derived from a small sample size. Gotta get the reps to see if the kid can grow into his potential and that means Bryn and Patty need to do more towel waving and less on the floor matador action.

[exstatic]

The only GOOD thing about the pandemic is that teams will be looking to cut costs. Even if Pop wants to keep Bryn and Marco, he may very well be overruled by the ownership group. That's a bit over $8.7M in salary that is easy to let roll off for positions you already have covered by younger and cheaper draft choices on your roster.

[J_Paco]

The only GOOD thing about the pandemic is that teams will be looking to cut costs. Even if Pop wants to keep Bryn and Marco, he may very well be overruled by the ownership group. That's a bit over $8.7M in salary that is easy to let roll off for positions you already have covered by younger and cheaper draft choices on your roster.


Yup, I was thinking that the other day. It would do the Spurs a world of good if this stoppage/suspension "forces" them to let Forbe walk in free-agency.

There are a bunch of teams (Knicks, Magic, Lakers, Cavaliers, Hornets, etc.) that could use his shooting ability and "floor spacing." They'd also benefit from their coach not being stupid enough to play him in a starting role or in front of better, younger talent.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I hope Lonnie, and his buddies Derrick and Dejounte, actually come to play next year.

Part of the reason we suck is that we were depending on these guys to make leaps, or at least notable jumps, in growth and they...didn't.


Step up, Lonnie.

[J_Paco]

I hope Lonnie, and his buddies Derrick and Dejounte, actually come to play next year.

Part of the reason we suck is that we were depending on these guys to make leaps, or at least notable jumps, in growth and they...didn't.


Step up, Lonnie.

Dejounte was returning from a serious knee injury, Lonnie was a project player coming off a nice Summer League, who was hampered by lesser talent (Forbes) ahead of him in the rotation.

The reasons the team sucked was Pop's poor rotations/game plans, lack of a competent starter level SF or PF (I like Lyles a lot more off the bench) and too many poor defenders in and out of the rotation (Belinelli, Forbes, DeRozan & Mills).

Dumping some of the terrible defenders, finding a true starter at SF/PF, ending all the stupid "minute restrictions" on the young guards, pushing Lonnie past Bryn (bye bye) in the rotation, truly embracing a rebuild and aiming for a high lottery pick should be the priority.

[cd021]

The only GOOD thing about the pandemic is that teams will be looking to cut costs. Even if Pop wants to keep Bryn and Marco, he may very well be overruled by the ownership group. That's a bit over $8.7M in salary that is easy to let roll off for positions you already have covered by younger and cheaper draft choices on your roster.

I've been under the impression that PATFO would let them walk and probably even start Walker next year in Forbes role. Beli was likely going to be gone either way but the pandemic might actually give the Spurs pause about letting Forbes walk.

He probably isn't getting more than the $3.2 million he's making, and certainly not on a long term deal, but there's a chance that they offer him another cheap deal and bring him back.

Their probably isn't going to be a market for him and they at least know how he fits with the team, it would be a mistake for them to bring him back but given the likely price, it probably wouldn't cost them much.

[exstatic]

I've been under the impression that PATFO would let them walk and probably even start Walker next year in Forbes role. Beli was likely going to be gone either way but the pandemic might actually give the Spurs pause about letting Forbes walk.

He probably isn't getting more than the $3.2 million he's making, and certainly not on a long term deal, but there's a chance that they offer him another cheap deal and bring him back.

Their probably isn't going to be a market for him and they at least know how he fits with the team, it would be a mistake for them to bring him back but given the likely price, it probably wouldn't cost them much.

If the cap drops, and all indications are that it will, the tax threshold will drop, too. They may have to dump both of them to not be a taxpayer. The economics of the league are about to change drastically.

[look_at_g_shred]

Dejounte was returning from a serious knee injury, Lonnie was a project player coming off a nice Summer League, who was hampered by lesser talent (Forbes) ahead of him in the rotation.

The reasons the team sucked was Pop's poor rotations/game plans, lack of a competent starter level SF or PF (I like Lyles a lot more off the bench) and too many poor defenders in and out of the rotation (Belinelli, Forbes, DeRozan & Mills).

Dumping some of the terrible defenders, finding a true starter at SF/PF, ending all the stupid "minute restrictions" on the young guards, pushing Lonnie past Bryn (bye bye) in the rotation, truly embracing a rebuild and aiming for a high lottery pick should be the priority.
Solid take,but i'd add Gay to the list of horrible defenders. He's got the size but the athleticism and speed are gone. Get's blown by constantly. It's bad.

[KobesAchilles]

I've been under the impression that PATFO would let them walk and probably even start Walker next year in Forbes role. Beli was likely going to be gone either way but the pandemic might actually give the Spurs pause about letting Forbes walk.

He probably isn't getting more than the $3.2 million he's making, and certainly not on a long term deal, but there's a chance that they offer him another cheap deal and bring him back.

Their probably isn't going to be a market for him and they at least know how he fits with the team, it would be a mistake for them to bring him back but given the likely price, it probably wouldn't cost them much.

i have no idea what they’re done to give you that indication. Pop LOVES Forbes. He’s going to re-sign him and he’s going to start him next year. We need that floor spacer :lol and Pop thinks of him as Steph Curry. The dude will be here for another 3 years and start all of next season.

I can already see the articles: As the uncertainty of the off-season remains, Bryn Forbes works on defense. “It’s all about defense,” Forbes tells us. “I’ve been hitting the weights all summer, doing defensive drills, and working on my rotations. I think I can solidify my spot here and continue starting next year.” 5 time championship coach Gregg Popovich seems to agree. “ I thought Bryn played wonderfully last year. His shooting and his consistency really balanced our team, especially when a lot of our young talent were trying to find themselves.”
When asked about Bryn’s new 3 year $21 million deal, Brian Wrong had this to say, “Nobody deserves it more than Bryn. He’s a great teammate, a great competitor, and someone we knew we needed in the locker room for a long long time. I’m just really glad he was still up at 12:01 to get this thing done.”

[exstatic]

i have no idea what they’re done to give you that indication. Pop LOVES Forbes. He’s going to re-sign him and he’s going to start him next year. We need that floor spacer :lol and Pop thinks of him as Steph Curry. The dude will be here for another 3 years and start all of next season.

I can already see the articles: As the uncertainty of the off-season remains, Bryn Forbes works on defense. “It’s all about defense,” Forbes tells us. “I’ve been hitting the weights all summer, doing defensive drills, and working on my rotations. I think I can solidify my spot here and continue starting next year.” 5 time championship coach Gregg Popovich seems to agree. “ I thought Bryn played wonderfully last year. His shooting and his consistency really balanced our team, especially when a lot of our young talent were trying to find themselves.”
When asked about Bryn’s new 3 year $21 million deal, Brian Wrong had this to say, “Nobody deserves it more than Bryn. He’s a great teammate, a great competitor, and someone we knew we needed in the locker room for a long long time. I’m just really glad he was still up at 12:01 to get this thing done.”

You're thinking is still stuck in a pre-covid19 world. The salary cap and tax will both drop considerably. The ONLY low hanging fruit on the roster is the duo of Marco and Bryn. I think if Pop pushed the issue, ownership would over rule him.

[cd021]

If the cap drops, and all indications are that it will, the tax threshold will drop, too. They may have to dump both of them to not be a taxpayer. The economics of the league are about to change drastically.

According to Forbes (not Bryn) the cap is set to drop by between $8-15 million depending on whether or not the season is cancelled.

Beli was likely not going to be re-signed either way, Forbes still could however because of a lack of interest from other teams. If the Spurs are flirting with the luxury tax it may convince them to move on from Aldridge or DeRozan, however.

One such option is the Knicks, who would still have cap space and reportedly have interest in him. DeRozan will opt in and the Spurs could work out a trade with DeRozan to go to the Knicks.

The Knicks could also offset some salary in the trade by swapping Frank Ntilikina, saving both teams money- especially the Spurs.

[Prime BEEF]

You're thinking is still stuck in a pre-covid19 world. The salary cap and tax will both drop considerably. The ONLY low hanging fruit on the roster is the duo of Marco and Bryn. I think if Pop pushed the issue, ownership would over rule him.
Solid point. Really hope you’re right. Just by getting rid of those guys, this team will improve.

[KobesAchilles]

You're thinking is still stuck in a pre-covid19 world. The salary cap and tax will both drop considerably. The ONLY low hanging fruit on the roster is the duo of Marco and Bryn. I think if Pop pushed the issue, ownership would over rule him.
And you’re thinking of a fantasy world. Pop wants Forbes back. We would get rid of Poetl before Forbes and that solves the money issue. Spurs are starting Forbes next year, pandemic or no pandemic world.

[J_Paco]

And you’re thinking of a fantasy world. Pop wants Forbes back. We would get rid of Poetl before Forbes and that solves the money issue. Spurs are starting Forbes next year, pandemic or no pandemic world.

Forbes is the 2nd most expendable free agent, and depending on the NBA draft, Jakob is the least. I think their is a 50/50 chance Forbes leaves and it all hinges on someone outbidding the Spurs (which has happened with plenty of young role players lately).

And people are underestimating the desperate need certain teams have for a good, volume three-point shooter. Especially, if said player is given a lesser or limited role (ala Seth Curry) and can be better hidden on defense.

[TD 21]

I've been under the impression that PATFO would let them walk and probably even start Walker next year in Forbes role. Beli was likely going to be gone either way but the pandemic might actually give the Spurs pause about letting Forbes walk.


He probably isn't getting more than the $3.2 million he's making, and certainly not on a long term deal, but there's a chance that they offer him another cheap deal and bring him back.

Their probably isn't going to be a market for him and they at least know how he fits with the team, it would be a mistake for them to bring him back but given the likely price, it probably wouldn't cost them much.

It shouldn't even be about the money. If he gets around what he is now, he still has no business starting or playing next to Mills, which would make him an expensive deep bench player and a possible malcontent at that considering his previous role and the state of the team.

If they stay at 11 and the draft plays out similar to current projections, they should end up with Vassell or Bey to effectively take his spot.



Forbes is the 2nd most expendable free agent, and depending on the NBA draft, Jakob is the least. I think their is a 50/50 chance Forbes leaves and it all hinges on someone outbidding the Spurs (which has happened with plenty of young role players lately).

And people are underestimating the desperate need certain teams have for a good, volume three-point shooter. Especially, if said player is given a lesser or limited role (ala Seth Curry) and can be better hidden on defense.

Yeah, but it happened when the Spurs were fashionable and in cases where teams foolishly thought those players had a higher upside if given an increased role. Forbes is the antithesis of that.

[FkLA]

I mean, why wouldn't Pop bring Forbes back at all costs? He's a big impact player, with a "prove you wrong" mentality and a relentless work ethic.

https://twitter.com/N_Magaro/status/1258108205856628737

[KobesAchilles]

Forbes is the 2nd most expendable free agent, and depending on the NBA draft, Jakob is the least. I think their is a 50/50 chance Forbes leaves and it all hinges on someone outbidding the Spurs (which has happened with plenty of young role players lately).

And people are underestimating the desperate need certain teams have for a good, volume three-point shooter. Especially, if said player is given a lesser or limited role (ala Seth Curry) and can be better hidden on defense.

What you say makes sense if Pop wasn’t in charge. Pop started Forbes. He played Poetl 12 minutes a game. In his mind Forbes is his guy. He sees Forbes as a culture guy who buys in, works hard, doesn’t complain about his role, and a floor spacer. We are re-signing Forbes and the sooner y’all guys understand this the less angry you will be when it happens.

[exstatic]

What you say makes sense if Pop wasn’t in charge. Pop started Forbes. He played Poetl 12 minutes a game. In his mind Forbes is his guy. He sees Forbes as a culture guy who buys in, works hard, doesn’t complain about his role, and a floor spacer. We are re-signing Forbes and the sooner y’all guys understand this the less angry you will be when it happens.

Pop isn’t in charge of the money. He answers to the younger Holts, who likely won’t be too jazzed to pay the tax for this team.

[KobesAchilles]

Pop isn’t in charge of the money. He answers to the younger Holts, who likely won’t be too jazzed to pay the tax for this team.
Renouncing Jakob and Marco while signing Forbes doesn’t put us into the tax.

[spurspl]

What you say makes sense if Pop wasn’t in charge. Pop started Forbes. He played Poetl 12 minutes a game. In his mind Forbes is his guy. He sees Forbes as a culture guy who buys in, works hard, doesn’t complain about his role, and a floor spacer. We are re-signing Forbes and the sooner y’all guys understand this the less angry you will be when it happens.

sad but true

ppl must realize how many issues and wrong decisions came and will come from one man: no tanking for top prospects bc playoff streak more important, not developing young guys, not playing murray and white together, all drama with kawhi and taking a horrible bad deal for him etc... next will be: resigning forbes, another guard in the draft who will be sent to gleague, signing ddr and letting poeltl go + no trades bc "we like what we have" and "we are a contenders"

[SpursDynasty85]

I mean, why wouldn't Pop bring Forbes back at all costs? He's a big impact player, with a "prove you wrong" mentality and a relentless work ethic.

https://twitter.com/N_Magaro/status/1258108205856628737

Purely to pad Demar's stats and up his trade value. So sad what Pop did to Lonnie and White this year. Next year if Bryn is still starting or playing significant minutes then.. I will be straight speechless.

[cd021]

It shouldn't even be about the money. If he gets around what he is now, he still has no business starting or playing next to Mills, which would make him an expensive deep bench player and a possible malcontent at that considering his previous role and the state of the team.

If they stay at 11 and the draft plays out similar to current projections, they should end up with Vassell or Bey to effectively take his spot.


I'm not advocating for him to stay but I could absolutely see the Spurs talking themselves into bringing him back if there isn't a market for him. Its the culture trap that they fall into. They overvalue players that they know how will fit. They know how Forbes fits into the team, so all bets are off.

If the Spurs move on from DeRozan, I think the chances of him returning increase- no matter whom they draft.

[RC_Drunkford]

Forbes agent: "We want 70 million for 3 years"

:pop: "4 years"

Forbes agent: "Deal"

Spurs Nation: :pctoss

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1267149385823027200

https://twitter.com/GeorgeLangberg/status/1267150571389190146

https://twitter.com/donsjr/status/1267146596782931974

https://twitter.com/emilieeaton/status/1267140205116624896

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1267140405231005702

[From Downtown]

Honestly our young guys all seem very sound, hopefully we manage to keep em and they grow together
Lonnie is a top guy

[Spurs Homer]

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1267149385823027200

https://twitter.com/GeorgeLangberg/status/1267150571389190146

https://twitter.com/donsjr/status/1267146596782931974

https://twitter.com/emilieeaton/status/1267140205116624896

https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1267140405231005702


:pop: “Lonnie needs to wipe some walls in Austin for the next half dozen protests- and then he can think about the Alamo - Brynn and Beli got this area well covered for the next 3-5 seasons!”

[spurs50_]

Lonnie is awesome, not like that POS nephew.

[lefty]

Lonnie and Kawhi > Tim

[tholdren]

Lonnie walker, like Murray, cant dribble, pass, or play the half court game. He's meant for NBA jam. That is all

[SpursDynasty85]

Lonnie walker, like Murray, cant dribble, pass, or play the half court game. He's meant for NBA jam. That is all

IQ is still low but dude has a pretty sweet jump shot.

[ace3g]

CBGfEkaHoyg/

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/ESPN_SA/status/1270820754897207302

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1270860075066888199

[GAustex]

Sure he looks different

[TDomination]

Oh no the hair is gone!!??

i wonder what compelled him to cut it now?

[ace3g]

Oh no the hair is gone!!??

i wonder what compelled him to cut it now?

Trying to confuse Pop so he can get more minutes to end the season.

__

UPDATE: Looks like he hasn't cut his hair yet.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaMixyMWkAEp42q?format=jpg&name=large

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/ReallyJustJeff_/status/1270916951116845056

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1270917171900813314

[hooperflash]

Yehhh

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaOiXSdXYAA-UoB?format=jpg&name=large

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1270944316941312001

[Dejounte]

So hes now 6'1" in height?

[ace3g]

So hes now 6'1" in height?

Which means Pop will start him over Forbes at SG!!!!

[John B]

Nothing wrong about the hair, but I think it could be a distraction, and he's more focus on getting better. I'm excited for this kid. Now to get higher in the draft, and trade for Toppin? :lol

[lefty]

Pop we love you but I swear if you don't start giving him more minutes we'll send the 5th Avenue looters to your home

[John B]

Now when is Patty getting a buzzcut?? I swear he was so much better

[pad300]

Get a haircut and get a real job. Clean your act up and don't be a slob... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnOVKtBxSv0)

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1271244323762429952

[Jordan Jackson]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1271244323762429952

That was hard to read. You never know what someone is going through yeesh.

Brave guy. Hopefully his story helps someone.

[Chinook]

Really puts into perspective folks who thought they had a right to judge him based on his hair style. People cope with trauma in different ways, and having a weird doo is hardly one of the worst ones. Happy to hear he feels secure enough to shed the mask.

Now from a purely selfish perspective, I hope this and his warning of being off IG for a while is because he's going to train to take on a bigger role next month. The team is going to need his offense with LMA out, and he'll mostly likely get way more minutes with DeRozan playing more as a four and even Gay probably getting as many center minutes as he can handle.

[MannyIsGod]

Fuck that was a tough read. Can't even imagine that struggle.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Ugh that's a sad story, it's the type of stuff that ruins lives, but well done to Lonnie for finding the mental capacity to come out of it stronger, rather than weaker.

[GAustex]

Lonnie need some burn to see if he can play or not
Fuck Forbes-poop’s experiment had FAILED.

[Russ]

Perhaps I'm too cynical, but this sounds way too much like Derek Anderson and his self-serving tales of growing up with a junkie mom.

He seems like a much better kid than Derek but . . .

[Dex]

Perhaps I'm too cynical, but this sounds way too much like Derek Anderson and his self-serving tales of growing up with a junkie mom.

He seems like a much better kid than Derek but . . .

Bruh.

Lonnie has shown by all accounts to be a good kid with good character. He has been a team player and engrained in the community from day one even though he hasn't had a chance to break out yet.

It takes incredible courage to put out that sort of traumatic sentiment to the world and say, "For better or worse, this is part of who I am."

He took a terrible situation and came out the other side of it as a better man.

Calling it a "self-serving tale" is exactly why most people are afraid to speak up about abuse, mental health, etc. Don't put that on him.

[Russ]

Bruh.

Lonnie has shown by all accounts to be a good kid with good character. He has been a team player and engrained in the community from day one even though he hasn't had a chance to break out yet.

It takes incredible courage to put out that sort of traumatic sentiment to the world and say, "For better or worse, this is part of who I am."

He took a terrible situation and came out the other side of it as a better man.

Calling it a "self-serving tale" is exactly why most people are afraid to speak up about abuse, mental health, etc. Don't put that on him.

We'll see . . .

But I've noticed (over time) that actual victims may not have a flair for the dramatic (e.g., they don't don't relate their trauma while changing hairstyles).

[Dex]

We'll see . . .

But I've noticed (over time) that actual victims may not have a flair for the dramatic (e.g., they don't don't relate their trauma while changing hairstyles).

People handle trauma and grief in different ways.

Whether or not Lonnie is being "dramatic", I applaud him for not being afraid to start the conversation.

[Russ]

People handle trauma and grief in different ways.

Whether or not Lonnie is being "dramatic", I applaud him for not being afraid to start the conversation.

Benefit of the doubt. :toast

[Mugen]

Love you, Lon. Shame he's got a terrible coach holding him back in favor of loser players but hopefully this is the last season he has to deal with that BS.

He's a special player.

[RD2191]

Perhaps I'm too cynical, but this sounds way too much like Derek Anderson and his self-serving tales of growing up with a junkie mom.

He seems like a much better kid than Derek but . . .

This ain't it fam

[Gibbz]

We'll see . . .

But I've noticed (over time) that actual victims may not have a flair for the dramatic (e.g., they don't don't relate their trauma while changing hairstyles).

Are you saying that Lonnie is lying about being sexually abused and raped? What is your goal here?

[spurs10]

It took a lot of courage to come forward like this. All my support to Lonnie Walker IV!


:bobo

[weeks]

We'll see . . .

But I've noticed (over time) that actual victims may not have a flair for the dramatic (e.g., they don't don't relate their trauma while changing hairstyles).

I dont blame you for your skepticism, the internet has turned everyone into an attention whore.
but it's also made everyone more dramatic in general, it doesn't mean he's lying. he's a kid, everything is dramatic to them.

And honestly dude, do you know anything about men? what kind of guy wants to admit he got raped just to score internet points? that takes incredible strength, definitely not the kind of thing a man is gonna lean on like he might a junkie mom (eminem) or more standard physical abuse even.
i was abused as a kid (not sexually) and it's humiliating, the weakness and lack of control you feel.

[Russ]

I dont blame you for your skepticism, the internet has turned everyone into an attention whore.
but it's also made everyone more dramatic in general, it doesn't mean he's lying. he's a kid, everything is dramatic to them.

And honestly dude, do you know anything about men? what kind of guy wants to admit he got raped just to score internet points? that takes incredible strength, definitely not the kind of thing a man is gonna lean on like he might a junkie mom (eminem) or more standard physical abuse even.
i was abused as a kid (not sexually) and it's humiliating, the weakness and lack of control you feel.

Good points. But let's just see how this story plays out over the next couple of weeks . . .

[GAustex]

I hope he plays and proves he belongs and does more than that and makes it so the Spurs want to spend money to keep him.
He seems like able. He needs a solid chance and he needs to go for it/take it.

[JuneJive]

Good on him for adressing the past trauma like that.

Should be a positive influence on others with similar problems.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1272242404976812032

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

I’m rooting even more so for the young man.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Spurs_Nation/status/1275521555754352641

[MultiTroll]

Lonnies injury all healed? Last info June 5th (BSPN):





https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/4277890.png&h=96&w=96&scale=crop

Lonnie Walker IVSG
StatusDay-to-day
Walker (lower leg) "should be good to go" once the season resumes in Orlando, Matthew Tynan of The Athletic reports.


(http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277890/lonnie-walker-iv)

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1277617845661315075

[J_Paco]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1277617845661315075

He is too talented to be backing up Bryn Forbes. We'll see how serious Pop is about making the playoffs if he continues with that nonsense.

[ace3g]

CB8-geUp4or

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4/status/1290371251903528961

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/ManhattanOnMars/status/1295829279905918977

https://twitter.com/Lorenzo_Vela23/status/1295843966483652609

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ef1-SKrVAAAZ-27?format=png&name=large

[BackHome]

For Walker it’s all mental he just needs to slow down and pick his spots. As far as how he did this year I would say he was OK, right where I expected him to be I think next year will see a much better Walker if Poop gives him a chance. One thing he is going to have to work on is not worrying about the knee he needs to be able to muscle in layups and absorb the contact instead of shying away from it.

[ace3g]

CFic7DKBlps

[Sugus]

CFic7DKBlps

This guy is a part of the future. What a build. He'd be going top 5 in this draft for sure.

[BackHome]

I like Walker but I have to be honest every time I watch him jump where he sticks his leg out I am expecting for him to blow out a knee. Hoping that this never happens and hoping that he takes the steps mentally to be the player we all think he should be. I think he can make the leap I don’t think he was bad last year you could just tell he was thinking way to much this season but he skills and hops are Muy Bueno.

[John B]

I like Lonnie's attitude and he just keeps on grinding. But I like the hell out of Keldon better on finishing, nothing fancy, just go strong. Lonnie and DJ really need to finish better.

[Nivek_ogre]

I hope Walker pans out. But he's not dunking on anyone or finishing in traffic or after contact. He can jump but doesn't seem to know what to do up there. Can Parker come and coach him. Even DeRozan can give some pointers.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

He just has to get better at finishing at the hoop. Dude has the tools to be a really good NBA player if he stays healthy.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Mach1Services/status/1310642487229386752

[DAF86]

All these instagram stories are about players working on their jumpshot. I would like to see sometime a "finishing" practice drill. Trying to finish while coaches hit you up with some American Gladiators type sticks. :lol I don't know, something to work on your concentration and strength while finishing around the basket.

[lefty]

All these instagram stories are about players working on their jumpshot. I would like to see sometime a "finishing" practice drill. Trying to finish while coaches hit you up with some American Gladiators type sticks. :lol I don't know, something to work on your concentration and strength while finishing around the basket.
Karate Kid fan? :lol

[ace3g]

CGYwnm9BOtr

[Sugus]

Thanks for the content, Ace. Lonnie looking extremely buff... I wonder how old these pics are. Once he learns how to use his mass to play through contact, he's gonna be a big piece for the Spurs... I'm a Walker Truther, tbh.

[4lifecowboy]

Question for the board, would you trade Walker over White?

[Sugus]

Question for the board, would you trade Walker over White?

I guess the answer will depend on how low you're on Walker at the moment, but there's no way I'd do that, it's a non-starter. White will be 27, he's pretty close to his ceiling and -as much as I like him and think he can be very productive for a lot of years in SA- will never be more than a role player. Lonnie's got star potential. He very well might never put it all together, but his speed, athleticism, first step and hops are all the kind of things that separate role players from true stars, and he's got them in spades. Besides, White's potential value is very high right now due to his bubble play, whilst Lonnie IMO wouldn't garner the same package since he's, for now, mostly potential and little on-court production.

But I'd rather keep both tbh, and trade other pieces that the Spurs actually need to shake off in order to thrive.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1319340271167995904

https://scontent-lax3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/121995715_273161610600768_6949711423904309954_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=100&_nc_ohc=TVIbur4_xkEAX-Imp-k&_nc_tp=25&oh=32dc8e6aadbd5ce8474d26203a84e840&oe=5FBAAFC1

[ace3g]

*Insert Rocky training montage music

https://twitter.com/spursnxt/status/1320928194699137024

[exstatic]

*Insert Rocky training montage music

https://twitter.com/spursnxt/status/1320928194699137024

He needs to donate an inch of that giraffe neck to Keldon...

[DavidTheGoliath]

He needs to donate an inch of that giraffe neck to Keldon...

An inch of Lonnies neck for some of Keldons finishing ability. Who says no?

[pad300]

An inch of Lonnies neck for some of Keldons finishing ability. Who says no?

Keldon. He'd rather have the finishing ability; it's gonna make him a lotta money.

[Seventyniner]

An inch of Lonnies neck for some of Keldons finishing ability. Who says no?

I'd rather one of them be a star and the other one a bust than both be average to good starters.

[Chinook]

Lonnie should give Johnson two inches of neck in exchange for Murray's confidence.

[J_Paco]

This thread has gone in a bizarre direction......

Anyway, I'm hoping Lonnie is putting more muscle on that won't negatively effect his athleticism & explosiveness but will help with him finishing through contact.

He needs to show a lot more of that supposed "killer instinct" and move past all that passivity (or lack of confidence) that plagued him a ton last season. He could easily become a 20 PPG scorer if he improves his ability to finish at the rim, Pop makes him an actual focus of the offensive game plan & his mental game catches up to his physical abilities.

I also notice that he has that weird issue that Timmy had of constantly clutching at while also having some trepidation with his surgically repaired knee.

[Dejounte]

I think he could become a Lou Williams type scorer for us. One who scores in bunches. He showed newfound superb passing during the bubble... It literally came out of nowhere. I can see him being a super spark plug player as his ceiling. His ceiling is capped by his lack of strength, toughness, and height. Without that long neck, he has the stature of a 6'3" player. Maybe he can watch Steve Francis.

[4lifecowboy]

I wonder why Pop hasn't cultivated Walker's confidence like he did White's.

[Dejounte]

I wonder why Pop hasn't cultivated Walker's confidence like he did White's.

Because Walker's mental make-up is different. His primary issue isn't confidence, it's brains. The coaching staff hinted as much when they said he wasn't coached much all his life.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/e-2itVYnZRI

[Dejounte]

Another 6'3" similar build player Lonnie can watch:


https://youtu.be/I_ni9RrizZE

[rjv]

This thread has gone in a bizarre direction......


well, it's ST, so that's pretty much par for the course.

[Degoat]

May have been discussed already but Lonnie Walker has been working out with Jrue Holiday, seems like a good player for him to take some notes from

[Dejounte]

May have been discussed already but Lonnie Walker has been working out with Jrue Holiday, seems like a good player for him to take some notes from

Source? That would be great if Lonnie can learn some defense from Jrue.

[Degoat]

Source? That would be great if Lonnie can learn some defense from Jrue.

sorry not sure how to copy the source onto here lol he posted a video on his Instagram that he’s been working out with him.

[Sugus]

CG2_z75hghE

Hoping this displays, otherwise we might need homeboy ace3g's help...

E: thanks Dejounte, what a god-send! I'll keep this in mind.

[PhantomDashCam]

sorry not sure how to copy the source onto here lol he posted a video on his Instagram that he’s been working out with him.




Hoping this displays, otherwise we might need homeboy ace3g (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2345)'s help...

Not to step on your toes fellas, thanks for info. Pulled from Jeff G’s Twitter - You can see Jrue in the pool montage portion...

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1321196195193257984?s=20

[Sugus]

I know most posters here are Keldon-fazed, with good reason, and that Lonnie had an unimpressive bubble outing, but boy does he have a good work ethic. Dude has become jacked to hell and back; his physical transformation has been incredible to see. He has a lot of holes in his game, both physical and mental, but I have a lot more faith in him working out the kinks than other players, just because he exhales desire to be great. I hope Pop gets his head out of his ass next season and actually starts giving Lonnie and the rest of the youngings some bigger roles, I don't think I can sit through another season of their talent being wasted playing second fiddle to vets that won't take us anywhere, tbh.

[Sugus]

Not to step on your toes fellas, thanks for info. Pulled from Jeff G’s Twitter - You can see Jrue in the pool montage portion...

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1321196195193257984?s=20

Thanks for putting the video up, I'm still learning the ropes of embedding content from other sites. Stupid IG links never seem to work here.

[Dejounte]

Thanks for putting the video up, I'm still learning the ropes of embedding content from other sites. Stupid IG links never seem to work here.

You have to remove everything from the link except the ID.

[Dejounte]

I know most posters here are Keldon-fazed, with good reason, and that Lonnie had an unimpressive bubble outing, but boy does he have a good work ethic. Dude has become jacked to hell and back; his physical transformation has been incredible to see. He has a lot of holes in his game, both physical and mental, but I have a lot more faith in him working out the kinks than other players, just because he exhales desire to be great. I hope Pop gets his head out of his ass next season and actually starts giving Lonnie and the rest of the youngings some bigger roles, I don't think I can sit through another season of their talent being wasted playing second fiddle to vets that won't take us anywhere, tbh.

On the contrary, i thought he had a poor regular season and an impressive bubble season.

And is it impressive that he's working his ass off right now? Or could he just be doing it because it's a contract year?

For the record, im not too down on him. He's my 3rd most valuable young guy behind White and Keldon.

If he turns out to be one of Lou Will, Stevie Franchise, and Baron Davis.... That's a helluva valuable asset. Steve was an all star, and so was Baron I think.

[Dejounte]

Thanks for putting the video up, I'm still learning the ropes of embedding content from other sites. Stupid IG links never seem to work here.

For example:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGYKUcrHU6p/?igshid=uafvxhbiwozj

Remove everything but CGYKUcrHU6p

[ace3g]

Looks like it was posted from a mutual agent

https://twitter.com/GeorgeLangberg/status/1321186170831659009

[Sugus]

For example:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGYKUcrHU6p/?igshid=uafvxhbiwozj

Remove everything but CGYKUcrHU6p

Formatting sure is hard! Thanks for the tip, updated the original post. Between this, and failing to embed the GIFs that I make from Imgur, I'm sort of making a fool of myself... It's the thought that counts, I guess? Lol.

[Sugus]

On the contrary, i thought he had a poor regular season and an impressive bubble season.

And is it impressive that he's working his ass off right now? Or could he just be doing it because it's a contract year?

For the record, im not too down on him. He's my 3rd most valuable young guy behind White and Keldon.

If he turns out to be one of Lou Will, Stevie Franchise, and Baron Davis.... That's a helluva valuable asset. Steve was an all star, and so was Baron I think.

Ok, I see where you're coming from, I'll redact myself: Lonnie had an unimpressive outing in regards to his personal scoring/playing output, but impressed with newly-found distributing skills. I don't think any reports came out on whether he was actually asked by coaches to focus on that aspect of his game, which I hope is the case, because the rest of his game was unimpressive - he was tentative when open, slow to find those openings, and overall way too passive at the worst time to be, with Keldon blowing him out of the water in comparison. I think his regular season was definitely not good as well, but I don't put as much stock on it (in regards to my evaluation of Lonnie as a player) because I'm convinced that a large portion of that was due to Pop completely shitting the bed with his handling and development. I still have fresh in my mind the images of Lonnie going on the court for a literal minute, only to be pulled out at the first missed assignment, in favor of Pet Boy Forbes. Or playing 10m one night and getting a DNP-CD the very next game. I really, really hope Pop is off that bullshit for good, because he's going to fuck up Lonnie if not.

I can't speak to the contract year thing... I never got the impression from Lonnie that he's a Whiteside kinda player, who puts in the effort just to get the bag and then coasts. This will be his first "big" contract, anyhow, so it's anyone's guess what really drives Lonnie, if it's money or an actual desire to be great. To his credit, he's been talking the talk, and kind of learning how to walk the walk... Soon enough we'll see what he turns into - next season is pivotal for him. I will say, though, that Lonnie more than anyone must be aware that explosive athleticism + bad knees is a dangerous combo, so he'll surely be looking at getting the biggest payday possible next season, kind of like how Dejounte got financial security for the rest of his life after that (stupid) contract by the FO.

I don't like the Lou Will comp because Will is an absolute sieve defensively, to the point that he can't really be played at the end of close, important games, because any competent ball-handling scorer like LeBron or Harden is gonna hunt him down and switch on him to hell and back. I think Lonnie showed, in spurts through the season, a higher defensive ceiling. But as with most of his game, it's theoretical at this point, with a lot of questions up in the air.

Talking about Lonnie (and Keldon to an extent) and remembering this past season, really pisses me off. What a godawful coaching job that was. I still can't believe that it took until the bubble - something that very well might never have happened if the logistics and containment weren't absolutely perfect - to actually see White and DJ share a literal minute together in the court, and to see the youngings run free. I refuse to draw too many conclusions from it, due to sample size, so the biggest thing I always end up drawing out of it is the bitter realization that the 2019-2020 Spurs season was mostly lost, a wash. Shaking my god damned head at you, Pop...

[Dejounte]

Sugus

The Lou comp was a very loose one. Main parallel I drew between the two was that they both shoot 3s and can get on very good streaks with 3s. Also, both don't really look for contact on offense. Just a loose comp overall.

[talkspurs]

Lonnie is not really in a contract year. Yes he can get an extension at the end of this one but he has a Team option for the 21-22 season. It is like White who has a team option for this year. If they Spurs do no reach an agreement with him White would still be a Spur for 20-21 and then have a QO for the 21-22 season.

[Seventyniner]

I don't like the Lou Will comp because Will is an absolute sieve defensively, to the point that he can't really be played at the end of close, important games, because any competent ball-handling scorer like LeBron or Harden is gonna hunt him down and switch on him to hell and back. I think Lonnie showed, in spurts through the season, a higher defensive ceiling. But as with most of his game, it's theoretical at this point, with a lot of questions up in the air.

Good point about Lou being unplayable late. In those types of games your defense is only as strong as your weakest defender, and having Forbes on the floor just made things unbearable.

[Sugus]

Sugus

The Lou comp was a very loose one. Main parallel I drew between the two was that they both shoot 3s and can get on very good streaks with 3s. Also, both don't really look for contact on offense. Just a loose comp overall.

Haha, no quarrel. I see what you meant now. I'd say that Lonnie's other-wordly first step and athleticism are also a separation from a Lou Will kind of player, and also what gives me hope that Walker's ceiling is beyond a mere "starting SG" if he truly puts it together. A good comparison, IMO, that I saw during the bubble, was Jamal Murray. Both him and Lonnie are (relatively) short, have a good shooting stroke, deceitful athleticism, good distribution skills (I'm assuming here that Lonnie grows on his bubble passing display), and a quickness that makes guarding them so difficult. Of course, Jamal has the much better handles, moves, and iso-shooting right now, but I came up with it on a whim and it stuck with me.


Good point about Lou being unplayable late. In those types of games your defense is only as strong as your weakest defender, and having Forbes on the floor just made things unbearable.

Exactly - the chain principle. It's especially true in the modern NBA, where players are switching on literally every possession under most defensive schemes, and the impact that a single good-to-great defender has on a team's defense is overshadowed by the impact a bad-to-awful defender has on that same lineup. Yesteryear, you could truly have a "defensive specialist" who you'd assign on the other teams' best players and call it a day. Nowadays, they'll just switch off that great defender, limiting his impact to mostly help defense. It's interesting for sure, and has had a big impact in how (smart) teams build their roster, and the general trend that non-star players are on average much more skilled and better defenders than in years past.

Now Forbes, he's just unplayable anywhere outside of a bench/third stringer lineup. You don't even have to wait until the end of the game to see the other team mismatch-hunting him. Lol..... :vomit:

[J_Paco]

On the contrary, i thought he had a poor regular season and an impressive bubble season.

And is it impressive that he's working his ass off right now? Or could he just be doing it because it's a contract year?

For the record, im not too down on him. He's my 3rd most valuable young guy behind White and Keldon.

If he turns out to be one of Lou Will, Stevie Franchise, and Baron Davis.... That's a helluva valuable asset. Steve was an all star, and so was Baron I think.

I think the Spurs have a fourth & fifth year option, gonna double check, and then he'd be restricted so not sure where the belief that he might be working hard only for a new contract (or extension) comes from?

I also don't see a lot of those three guards in Lonnie's game. I believe he's an inch or two taller than all three plus his three - point shot is far, far past their's (in similar age).

He could be anything from a Jeremy Lamb as his floor to Zach Lavine but with better defense. It'll all depend on how he learns & progresses these next few seasons and if Pop begins to truly trust him.

[Dejounte]

I think the Spurs have a fourth & fifth year option, gonna double check, and then he'd be restricted so not sure where the belief that he might be working hard only for a new contract (or extension) comes from?

I also don't see a lot of those three guards in Lonnie's game. I believe he's an inch or two taller than all three plus his three - point shot is far, far past their's (in similar age).

He could be anything from a Jeremy Lamb as his floor to Zach Lavine but with better defense. It'll all depend on how he learns & progresses these next few seasons and if Pop begins to truly trust him.

Reason I chose those guys is I dont think Lonnie is as tall as he's listed. He's always looked short on my TV. He's stocky like both Steve and Baron and both can really jump like Lonnie. Is Lonnie really that much better in 3s at this age? He's still pretty streaky and hasn't proven he's a sharp shooting ace just yet. It's all just potential so far.

[Dejounte]

I think the Spurs have a fourth & fifth year option, gonna double check, and then he'd be restricted so not sure where the belief that he might be working hard only for a new contract (or extension) comes from?

I also don't see a lot of those three guards in Lonnie's game. I believe he's an inch or two taller than all three plus his three - point shot is far, far past their's (in similar age).

He could be anything from a Jeremy Lamb as his floor to Zach Lavine but with better defense. It'll all depend on how he learns & progresses these next few seasons and if Pop begins to truly trust him.

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/hampton-lonnie-walker-iv-and-landry-shamet-pose-together-after-a-game-picture-id1161565644?s=2048x2048

That's Landry Shamet on the right, listed at 6'4". It's RJ Hampton on the left who has been listed at 6'5", but I doubt he's really that either.

[Dejounte]

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/landry-shameth-and-lonnie-walker-pose-for-a-portrait-after-being-by-picture-id980882444?s=2048x2048

Landry Shamet again

I'd say Lonnie is definitely not 6'5", 30% he's 6'4", and 70% 6'3".

Look especially how much lower his shoulders are next to Landry

CDmDIa2J8kR

Derrick White consistently looks taller than Lonnie in photos

I think they really did fuck things up measuring him because of his hair

[Chinook]

Walker was officially measured at the combine, so we do know he is at least 6-4.5 and might've grown. The Spurs premeasured before the season and got 6-5. I can't say that those other players did not grow or what they're measured at. One thing about Lonnie is that it's hard to find pictures of him when he's not slouching or leaning. Especially for a guy who has considerable height in his neck, that can make him seem a variety of heights. In most pictures with Murray, Lonnie looks to be basically as tall, but next to Johnson, he is noticeably shorter. That would put him in the 6-5-in-shoes category (Murray is 6-4 and Keldon 6-6 and maybe growing?)

Still, Walker's standing reach is 8-3.5, which is the shortest of the young perimeter players of note. For perspective, Murray is first with 8-7.5, Johnson next with 8-7 and White next with 8-5.5. In that way, Walker seems noticeably smaller than his counter parts. In others like wing-span and girth, Walker is one of the bigger ones.

As far as hair goes, I have had some form of afro since I was in the fourth grade. People overestimated how much of my height came from my hair, often by three or four inches. People's heads aren't flat above their hair lines. Obviously we all know that, but people don't take into account that a round and uniform 'fro on the outside is not made up of hair the same distance from the skull. The hair on the top of the head is more compact/shorter. That's a long-winded way of saying Walker's height might be underestimated because of how tall his hair was. Obviously, it did add to his height, and more than my hair did for me, but he also has a few inches of head that is still there.

[Dejounte]

Walker was officially measured at the combine, so we do know he is at least 6-4.5 and might've grown. The Spurs premeasured before the season and got 6-5. I can't say that those other players did not grow or what they're measured at. One thing about Lonnie is that it's hard to find pictures of him when he's not slouching or leaning. Especially for a guy who has considerable height in his neck, that can make him seem a variety of heights. In most pictures with Murray, Lonnie looks to be basically as tall, but next to Johnson, he is noticeably shorter. That would put him in the 6-5-in-shoes category (Murray is 6-4 and Keldon 6-6 and maybe growing?)

Still, Walker's standing reach is 8-3.5, which is the shortest of the young perimeter players of note. For perspective, Murray is first with 8-7.5, Johnson next with 8-7 and White next with 8-5.5. In that way, Walker seems noticeably smaller than his counter parts. In others like wing-span and girth, Walker is one of the bigger ones.

As far as hair goes, I have had some form of afro since I was in the fourth grade. People overestimated how much of my height came from my hair, often by three or four inches. People's heads aren't flat above their hair lines. Obviously we all know that, but people don't take into account that a round and uniform 'fro on the outside is not made up of hair the same distance from the skull. The hair on the top of the head is more compact/shorter. That's a long-winded way of saying Walker's height might be underestimated because of how tall his hair was. Obviously, it did add to his height, and more than my hair did for me, but he also has a few inches of head that is still there.

I was aware of his combine measurements.

Combine measurements for White w/o shoes: 6'3.25"
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/?SeasonYear=2017-18

For Lonnie w/o shoes: 6'3.75"
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/?SeasonYear=2018-19

No way Lonnie is taller than White as these numbers indicate.

No way White grew, he was already 22.

Even outside of photos and in real time, White has always looked taller.

I could very well be wrong, but I'm just of the opinion that someone fucked up the measurements.

[exstatic]

I was aware of his combine measurements.

Combine measurements for White w/o shoes: 6'3.25"
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/?SeasonYear=2017-18

For Lonnie w/o shoes: 6'3.75"
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/?SeasonYear=2018-19

No way Lonnie is taller than White as these numbers indicate.

No way White grew, he was already 22.

Even outside of photos and in real time, White has always looked taller.

I could very well be wrong, but I'm just of the opinion that someone fucked up the measurements.

Measurements can make or break you at the combine. Clarke dropped like a rock when teams found out that his wingspan wasn’t 7’0”. They are very careful and thorough. The combine measurements are the gold standard, and likely much more accurate than eye balling it from photos.

[Dejounte]

Measurements can make or break you at the combine. Clarke dropped like a rock when teams found out that his wingspan wasn’t 7’0”. They are very careful and thorough. The combine measurements are the gold standard, and likely much more accurate than eye balling it from photos.

Trust me, I hope so. It's not as if I want Lonnie to be shorter.

[J_Paco]

Trust me, I hope so. It's not as if I want Lonnie to be shorter.

Then why dispute it? They (meaning the Spurs 4 guards/wings) are clearly all of a similar height. The tallest being either DeJounte or Keldon.

He's also taller than the group of guys that you've compared him to. And I don't believe his game is similar at all to Williams, Francis or Baron Davis.

Williams has always been a poor defender his entire career, while Lonnie has shown when locked in he can defend his position. Davis & Francis were both far superior playmakers to Lonnie as well as better at finishing through contact.

I'd love it if he could drive, finish stronger through contact & become a primary shot creator similar to them, though.

We'll see.....


Is Lonnie really that much better in 3s at this age? He's still pretty streaky and hasn't proven he's a sharp shooting ace just yet. It's all just potential so far.

Steve Francis (Age 22 Season): 34.5% on 4 attempts per
Baron Davis (Age 21 Season): 31% on 3.3 attempts per
Lou Williams (Age 21 Season): 35.9% on 1.9 attempts per

Lonnie Walker IV (Age 21 Season): 40.6% on 1.7 attempts per

Clearly, Lonnie is the best three - point shooter in the bunch but on the lowest attempts (not a starter, lack of aggression/confidence at times & mostly left to spot - up in corner to wait for a pass) as well.

I believe he'll need to try to maintain that solid percentage (possibly down to 38% if he adds step back & while receiving a screen) while increasing his volume significantly, but all our young guards/wings need to do that for the their sake & the team.

We saw a lot more of it from Derrick during the bubble play and I'm hoping Keldon, DeJounte & Lonnie (who all shot a solid percentage) follow suit.

[RC_Drunkford]

Looks like it was posted from a mutual agent

https://twitter.com/GeorgeLangberg/status/1321186170831659009

looks like Lonnie is working on his physique so he can finish those lay ups

[J_Paco]

looks like Lonnie is working on his physique so he can finish those lay ups

We'll see, but it could be more mental than physical. Hopefully, he can show more toughness & become adapt at using his off hand to finish more.

[Dejounte]

Then why dispute it? They (meaning the Spurs 4 guards/wings) are clearly all of a similar height. The tallest being either DeJounte or Keldon.

He's also taller than the group of guys that you've compared him to. And I don't believe his game is similar at all to Williams, Francis or Baron Davis.

Williams has always been a poor defender his entire career, while Lonnie has shown when locked in he can defend his position. Davis & Francis were both far superior playmakers to Lonnie as well as better at finishing through contact.

I'd love it if he could drive, finish stronger through contact & become a primary shot creator similar to them, though.

We'll see.....



Steve Francis (Age 22 Season): 34.5% on 4 attempts per
Baron Davis (Age 21 Season): 31% on 3.3 attempts per
Lou Williams (Age 21 Season): 35.9% on 1.9 attempts per

Lonnie Walker IV (Age 21 Season): 40.6% on 1.7 attempts per

Clearly, Lonnie is the best three - point shooter in the bunch but on the lowest attempts (not a starter, lack of aggression/confidence at times & mostly left to spot - up in corner to wait for a pass) as well.

I believe he'll need to try to maintain that solid percentage (possibly down to 38% if he adds step back & while receiving a screen) while increasing his volume significantly, but all our young guards/wings need to do that for the their sake & the team.

We saw a lot more of it from Derrick during the bubble play and I'm hoping Keldon, DeJounte & Lonnie (who all shot a solid percentage) follow suit.

Why dispute it?

Because it's the offseason and there's nothing to talk about lol

But seriously, just commenting on what I've noticed as far as height

You mention playmaking as an attribute that sets Baron and Steve from Lonnie, but Lonnie started to show electrifying passes during the bubble.

And I stated before that Lou Will was a loose comparison. Just brought him up because of his role of scoring in bunches which I could easily see Lonnie do.

[Seventyniner]

Steve Francis (Age 22 Season): 34.5% on 4 attempts per
Baron Davis (Age 21 Season): 31% on 3.3 attempts per
Lou Williams (Age 21 Season): 35.9% on 1.9 attempts per

Lonnie Walker IV (Age 21 Season): 40.6% on 1.7 attempts per

Minutes per game tempers these numbers somewhat. Francis played 36.1 MPG, Davis 39.9 MPG (!), and Williams 23.3 MPG in the seasons you mentioned. Meanwhile, Lonnie only played 16.2 MPG last season. A better comparison would be 3PAr, the proportion of a player's shots that are threes.

For the seasons you used, those numbers were Francis 0.278, Davis 0.286, Williams 0.203, and Walker 0.283.

Williams didn't really become a huge 3-point chucker until later in his career, when his 3PAr was above 0.430 for 5 straight seasons.

[Dejounte]

Minutes per game tempers these numbers somewhat. Francis played 36.1 MPG, Davis 39.9 MPG (!), and Williams 23.3 MPG in the seasons you mentioned. Meanwhile, Lonnie only played 16.2 MPG last season. A better comparison would be 3PAr, the proportion of a player's shots that are threes.

For the seasons you used, those numbers were Francis 0.278, Davis 0.286, Williams 0.203, and Walker 0.283.

Williams didn't really become a huge 3-point chucker until later in his career, when his 3PAr was above 0.430 for 5 straight seasons.

That's like taking Boban's numbers and stretching it. I trusted you, J_Paco

[KobesAchilles]

looks like Lonnie is working on his physique so he can finish those lay ups
That's what I'm most focused on next year. Dude has all the athletic ability in the world but he can't finish. He learns some english from TP and he should become an All Star tbh

[ace3g]

Lonnie also needs to work on change of pace when driving to the basket.

[Seventyniner]

That's like taking Boban's numbers and stretching it. I trusted you, J_Paco

No, it wasn't that bad. I was just trying to make the comparison more apples-to-apples.

Another thing to consider is that the league average 3PAr this season was 0.384, while in 2009-2010 it was 0.222 and in 1999-2000 it was 0.167. If it felt like Francis and Davis (and mid-career Williams) were huge 3-point chuckers it's because, relative to league average, they were. Lonnie, on the other hand, was well below the league average, as were the Spurs as a team (3PAr of 0.318, 28th in the league).

I would imagine the 3PAr for guards and wings only is higher than average, which mitigates a bit of the chucking appearance of the first three and makes Lonnie's 3PAr even more below average.

[Chinook]

That's like taking Boban's numbers and stretching it. I trusted you, J_Paco

JP didn't say anything that 79er contradicted. Basically all four of those players took a similar amount of threes. With the possible exception of Williams. Walker's 3PT% being better looks stronger now than it did before.

[exstatic]

Lonnie’s always had a great stroke. Because of where he picked for his one and done, he was a target of the defense in a way he never would have been at KY. It was in most of his draft profiles that he pretty much just needed to work on his shot selection, and I think that has been shown in his play.

[RC_Drunkford]

We'll see, but it could be more mental than physical. Hopefully, he can show more toughness & become adapt at using his off hand to finish more.

nah it’s physical. He’s bad at finishing through contact. Some of those exercises
in this video should help him with that.

[TD 21]

Walker's 6-3.75 barefoot measurement has always seemed about right, but White's 6-3.25 measurement never did. He's always looked and played bigger and stronger than his listing.

I wouldn't read too much into the league's supposed enforcement of real barefoot heights being listed before last season. Some clearly still messed around, like the Raptors listing Gasol as 6-11 and Ibaka as 7-0.



Exactly - the chain principle. It's especially true in the modern NBA, where players are switching on literally every possession under most defensive schemes, and the impact that a single good-to-great defender has on a team's defense is overshadowed by the impact a bad-to-awful defender has on that same lineup. Yesteryear, you could truly have a "defensive specialist" who you'd assign on the other teams' best players and call it a day. Nowadays, they'll just switch off that great defender, limiting his impact to mostly help defense. It's interesting for sure, and has had a big impact in how (smart) teams build their roster, and the general trend that non-star players are on average much more skilled and better defenders than in years past.

That's why I made up the term non liability defender. This league has went about as far as possible to curtail or outlaw defense and between that and what you mentioned, to go deep in the playoffs it's exceedingly difficult to get away with liabilities in significant roles unless they're elite offensive players.

Sure, the Heat did it in a unique setup, but Herro and to a lesser extent Robinson were exposed in the Finals, as James repeatedly abused them on switches and in transition.

Short of lucking into a superstar, the best chance a team in the Spurs predicament (small/non glamour market that refuses to tank) has of being sustainably good, is assembling a core full of players who have to earn their keep, grow together (continuity + likely chemistry generally = playing hard and unselfish) and may not be exceptional, but are well rounded enough to function as a cohesive unit on both ends. Basically, the Raptoth of the past 4 years.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1334614315341656065

[spurraider21]

and then he went back to the bench

[Sugus]

and then he went back to the bench

Yeah, I posted this in the other thread, but after that game, he went on to play 12 minutes, the lowest out of any Spurs players that day. The mysteries of Pop :spin

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/WhistleSports/status/1337465342197706752

[GAustex]

https://twitter.com/WhistleSports/status/1337465342197706752
Them there some BIG dogs

[exstatic]

Them there some BIG dogs

Yeah, knowing that he’s a big human, you can understand how big they are.

The sad thing about huge dog breeds is that they don’t live long.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1339616352756068352

[John B]

Lonnie has really delivered given the amount of touches. I think he’ll more touches in the 2nd unit when White returns.

[J_Paco]

Lonnie has really delivered given the amount of touches. I think he’ll more touches in the 2nd unit when White returns.

Yeah, Patty's been great as the 6th man and our sparkplug off the bench but that should be Lonnie's role if/when Derrick returns.

[Chinook]

I don't see White starting at this point. He's going to have to be on restricted minutes for at least this year if the team can afford it, and the second unit desperately needs a lead guard. With Vassell playing well enough to warrant 10th-man minutes even in a healthy rotation, White coming off the bench just makes the most sense.

Murray, Mills
Walker, White
DeRozan, Vassell
Johnson, Gay
Aldridge, Poeltl

That looks pretty clearly like SA's 10-man rotation barring trades.

[John B]

I don't see White starting at this point. He's going to have to be on restricted minutes for at least this year if the team can afford it, and the second unit desperately needs a lead guard. With Vassell playing well enough to warrant 10th-man minutes even in a healthy rotation, White coming off the bench just makes the most sense.

Murray, Mills
Walker, White
DeRozan, Vassell
Johnson, Gay
Aldridge, Poeltl

That looks pretty clearly like SA's 10-man rotation barring trades.

I agree with White while he gets back to 100%. Yet Walker in the starting lineup seems to be limited in touches. He’s shown in the absence of Demar that he can score quick, and he is not even a finish product yet. He needs touches to develop, get used to scoring, being a go to guy. He gets that with the 2nd unit, prepare him if ever Demar leaves.

[Uriel]

Lonnie is the guy with the highest upside among our youth (with the possible exception of Samanic, who still looks far from reaching his potential). If he puts it all together, he could be an all-star, IMO.

[RC_Drunkford]

Lonnie is the guy with the highest upside among our youth (with the possible exception of Samanic, who still looks far from reaching his potential). If he puts it all together, he could be an all-star, IMO.

franchise player. He's the only one with that kind of potential. He can become a legitimate first option

[Sugus]

What I want to see more of, from Lonnie, is ball-handling. Not just in terms of playmaking, as we've seen so far, but possessions where he's tasked with running sets, running PnRs, and just putting his handle to the test of NBA defenses. Right now, it's far too easy for him to take a lightning bolt drive into the paint, quick dribble, two steps, and just jump into the hoop and score. I would really like for him to develop that consistency, patience, and determination that being a primary ballhandler entails, though. It'd help his overall game, learning patience and having the game slow down to his personal speed, and would also make him more confident in his role in the team and "authority" in terms of taking over games.

Just wishful thinking - we've seen plenty already from him this season. But to truly break out into a star, he can't be constantly depending on secondary penetration and a non-set defense, nor outside shooting. He's got to be able to handle (eventually) a late-game, 1-on-1, score-or-go-home kind of situation before he can truly rise as a first option. Hopefully Pop makes it a point of emphasis, just like he's clearly making it a point of emphasis to improve his man-to-man defense by tasking him to D up the other team's scorer.

[Down Under]

franchise player. He's the only one with that kind of potential. He can become a legitimate first option
I always thought KJ & White were the guys & that because Lonnie struggled with team defense (In particular switching) & how timid he was, but he's getting more assertive & it's good see. It'd be good to see him take more 3's: I've never seen a 40% 3 point shooter pass up so many open looks.

[DAF86]

I have a take on Lonnie that I won't share because I don't want to be called a Debbie Downer. :lol It's time to be supportive, tbh.

[Mr. Body]

I have a take on Lonnie that I won't share because I don't want to be called a Debbie Downer. :lol It's time to be supportive, tbh.

I'm sure everybody regrets not being able to read your take.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I have a take on Lonnie that I won't share because I don't want to be called a Debbie Downer. :lol It's time to be supportive, tbh.

I don't like to be too up or down. Balance is required. Whatcha got?

[DAF86]

I'm sure everybody regrets not being able to read your take.

It is more sensible than your take on Bertans, tbh. :lol Supported by metrics, at least, tbh.

[RC_Drunkford]

What I want to see more of, from Lonnie, is ball-handling. Not just in terms of playmaking, as we've seen so far, but possessions where he's tasked with running sets, running PnRs, and just putting his handle to the test of NBA defenses. Right now, it's far too easy for him to take a lightning bolt drive into the paint, quick dribble, two steps, and just jump into the hoop and score. I would really like for him to develop that consistency, patience, and determination that being a primary ballhandler entails, though. It'd help his overall game, learning patience and having the game slow down to his personal speed, and would also make him more confident in his role in the team and "authority" in terms of taking over games.

Just wishful thinking - we've seen plenty already from him this season. But to truly break out into a star, he can't be constantly depending on secondary penetration and a non-set defense, nor outside shooting. He's got to be able to handle (eventually) a late-game, 1-on-1, score-or-go-home kind of situation before he can truly rise as a first option. Hopefully Pop makes it a point of emphasis, just like he's clearly making it a point of emphasis to improve his man-to-man defense by tasking him to D up the other team's scorer.

that's actually called usage rate

[Sugus]

that's actually called usage rate

Yeah, basically. Isn't usg rate though, just the amount of time you're holding the ball? I don't necessarily want for Lonnie to hog the ball all that much more (and he wouldn't be able to do it even if he wanted to, once DD gets back); I want him to start focusing on creating his own offense and involving others in it, being the initiator of plays (even if it's a simple PnR or PnP with LMA), that sort of stuff. Whatever it's called, I want him doing that :lol

[Sugus]

It is more sensible than your take on Bertans, tbh. :lol Supported by metrics, at least, tbh.

Shoot it, Daffy, tbh. You get a free pass after the Marfan Demigod predictions :lol

[Seventyniner]

Yeah, basically. Isn't usg rate though, just the amount of time you're holding the ball? I don't necessarily want for Lonnie to hog the ball all that much more (and he wouldn't be able to do it even if he wanted to, once DD gets back); I want him to start focusing on creating his own offense and involving others in it, being the initiator of plays (even if it's a simple PnR or PnP with LMA), that sort of stuff. Whatever it's called, I want him doing that :lol

No, usage rate is the percentage of possessions a player ends with a shot, turnover, or FT attempts. 20% is average, and ball-dominant stars are usually in the 30s. Lonnie is at 20.3% on the season, but put up a 23.7 against OC, equal to DeRozan's 23.7 average for the season.

[Seventyniner]

For more details, DeRozan's USG% was 27.9% two years ago, 26.3% last year, and 23.7% so far this season. Aldridge: 26.9, 23.4, 24.4.

The team average for USG% will be over 20% because players miss games, so Lonnie's 20.3 this season is actually a bit below average. I haven't done a thorough analysis on USG% for these 3 seasons, but it definitely appears that it was very top-heavy two years ago (DeRozan and Aldridge), much less so last season, and even less so now.

It's not a perfect proxy for ball dominance, of course. Last night I saw several possessions down the stretch where Murray and Aldridge played a two-man game, and the ones where Aldridge shot the ball wouldn't count towards anyone else's USG%, even though Murray handled the ball a lot that possession and nobody else touched it. Still, USG% is the best proxy I can find for that.

[Dejounte]

Lonnie needs to improve his man-to-man defense. I don't think he makes his guy "feel" him enough. It might be due to his size, but still.

[dbestpro]

The year Walker was drafted, Donovan Mitchell of the Jazz was asked which drafted player would be as good as he turned out to be. He said, Walker.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/N_Magaro/status/1349457236884656129

[Sugus]

No, usage rate is the percentage of possessions a player ends with a shot, turnover, or FT attempts. 20% is average, and ball-dominant stars are usually in the 30s. Lonnie is at 20.3% on the season, but put up a 23.7 against OC, equal to DeRozan's 23.7 average for the season.

Fascinating, didn't know that. Yeah, let's get that usage rate up, Lonnie. I'd love him to be something like, 25, but again, I don't know if this is the year we'll be able to see it consistently from Lonnie, simply because of the personnel around him. I think we're now a year away from Lonnie's true breakout season. We'll see...

[Sugus]

Lonnie needs to improve his man-to-man defense. I don't think he makes his guy "feel" him enough. It might be due to his size, but still.

I liked that he was fighting better through screens these last couple of games, but there's a lot to be desired still. I think a part of the "problem" as well, is Pop's fixation with putting Lonnie on the other team's best offensive player (he was regularly checking SGA yesterday, for example). A baffling move to me, since Keldon is the obvious choice as far as man-to-man; but I can see the angle that Pop wants Lonnie to be great on both ends, and kind of "throws him into the fire" by putting him on that defensive task. We should see improvements over time, but it's not too pretty right now.

[BackHome]

Watching his highlights he kinda reminds me of a Short Sean Elliott - As far as his development I think he is on point he was brought in at a young age with the understanding that he had a lot of things he had to work on. I am just glad that he is doing what comes easy for him which is getting baskets he will be instant offense....I really would like for him to be the first our second main offensive threat for the Second Unit like Manu.

The only thing that he needs to really work on is his defense if he wants to be considered a Good player he needs to do much better ie. fighting over screens. I do think he is trying and he is doing better, but he will never be Keldon or Vassell he gives you what they can't though which is instant baskets hence I think they complete each other.

[BillMc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdjSAqO2EnQ

[RC_Drunkford]

Lonnie is a terrible defender. He's Bryn Forbes level bad. His defensive rating is worse than Aldridge's

[The Truth #6]

Are the coaches trying to turn IV into Matt Bonner? Sort of joking but he plays like him in the sense of desperately trying to avoid mistakes on defense while never fouling, while focusing on three pointers. Obviously, this could all be his own doing. But I really want him to do well. And he isn’t confident trying to stretch his game it feels like.

[Chinook]

Lonnie is a terrible defender. He's Bryn Forbes level bad. His defensive rating is worse than Aldridge's

Eh, like I'm not defending this overall quality of defense, but comparing his DRtg to that of a big isn't really illuminating.

[RC_Drunkford]

Eh, like I'm not defending this overall quality of defense, but comparing his DRtg to that of a big isn't really illuminating.

I could've mentioned 13 other players off our roster to compare it to

[BackHome]

I am going to give him one more year if he doesn’t show some pretty substantial improvements then I’ll be in the “Trade Walker Camp”. Still have hope he will be like DJ, Luka, and the light bulb suddenly turns on.

[Chinook]

I could've mentioned 13 other players off our roster to compare it to

Just saying that DRtg is particular is a relatively useless stat when talking about perimeter defenders. Like LMA doesn't look good, but he's clustered with basically everyone on the team in that 109-113 range. I think what would be more helpful would be to point out how awful Walker's on-offs are.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1400971972088107020

[poopbox]

I am hoping whatever we do during free agency, we turn a lot of our scoring offense over to Lonnie. I feel like he could thrive in a volume scorer role and we desperately need someone to do that for us going forward.

[BackHome]

The thing is next year these guys got to get minutes and we got to be OK if our record sucks cause they going to be some growing pains. But you can't get better sitting on the bench and you can't learn from your mistakes if you never make any so fuck it just play and try to get better every day

[GreekSpursfan]

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1400971972088107020

So he trained with one of the best defenders in the league and he learned fuck all about that end. I guess by training they mean, lift some weights and shoot a few shots.

[Chinook]

So he trained with one of the best defenders in the league and he learned fuck all about that end. I guess by training they mean, lift some weights and shoot a few shots.

Nah, his ball-handling was massively improved this past season. He clearly got better in terms of anything away from the rim or even getting to the rim. Now he needs to get better at making decisions in the paint and more consistent all around.

His defensive issues is keeping up with the screen more than it's anything physical. That'll have to be worked with Pop or the next coach, not a player from another team.

[GAustex]

AAU type baller with outstanding run and jump never had to learn the finer points cause all he did is out talent folks. Now when everyone is caught up with him he is lost and cannot out shine.
Poor defense is most outstanding attribute but also a general lack of feel for the game.
He may not be very smart.
LWIV should be better. Maybe he will get better.
Wish he would hurry up the team needs him to step up.

[R. DeMurre]

I'm rooting for him, and think he'll improve with DDR gone-- one of the ironies in light of the we-need-veterans-to-mentor-the-young-players philosophy-- but man, watching him closely, focusing on him, was a bit maddening this year: he did so little when the ball wasn't in his hands... very little movement, few to no picks, no boxing out when shots went up... it was far too reminiscent of a young Andrew Wiggins, and it shows in his advanced stats, which were pretty bad his first two seasons, and slightly worse this year. Per minute, his rebounds, steals, blocks, and assists were all down, as were his BPM and VORP. But if his effort, energy, & feel ever catch up to his athleticism, he has the potential to do some damage.

[Cardinal]

Lonnie is still so young. He has all the physical tools, and the skillset is there. Over the next few years, the key will be developing more of a natural feel for the game and learning how to make decisions on the court, especially on the defensive end.

[GreekSpursfan]

Nah, his ball-handling was massively improved this past season. He clearly got better in terms of anything away from the rim or even getting to the rim. Now he needs to get better at making decisions in the paint and more consistent all around.

His defensive issues is keeping up with the screen more than it's anything physical. That'll have to be worked with Pop or the next coach, not a player from another team.

He will never become a good defender and yes you can work with one on one with someone else who already knows a thing or two about team defense, how to use your body, positioning.
Every time i watch him he's usually lost, doesn't know the concept of team defense and i'm pretty sure Pop has already spend time with him on this matter. You either have it or you don't.
People think defense is just effort but it's not, its way more than that, you need bball IQ there as well and he doesn't have it. Since he won't be a good defender he needs to be elite offensively to survive in the NBA and i don't see that at the moment.

[Flawless]

I don't understand why people are super critical on him. He is still very young and only has played one season with consistent minutes given to him. Pop (or whoever the coach is next year) needs to allow him to play more without yanking him from every little error he makes. Either way this team is not going to be contending for a championship anytime soon, so might as well let him learn through mistakes.

[Mnky]

Nah, his ball-handling was massively improved this past season. He clearly got better in terms of anything away from the rim or even getting to the rim. Now he needs to get better at making decisions in the paint and more consistent all around.

His defensive issues is keeping up with the screen more than it's anything physical. That'll have to be worked with Pop or the next coach, not a player from another team.

Spot on.

[exstatic]

He seems to be the next incarnation of Ben McLemore, a player who has huge hops and can shoot pretty well, but really offers nothing else. I can absolutely see his career arc going the same way: journeyman. Advanced stats hate both of them, pretty much across the board.

[R. DeMurre]

He seems to be the next incarnation of Ben McLemore, a player who has huge hops and can shoot pretty well, but really offers nothing else. I can absolutely see his career arc going the same way: journeyman. Advanced stats hate both of them, pretty much across the board.

That's my fear also. It's pretty rare to see a player with advanced stats that poor three years in a row who suddenly turns it around to become a big net positive guy.