The Philadelphia 76ers have a new guy in town in Lonnie Walker IV.
Fresh from his solid campaign in Lithuania, Lonnie Walker successfully beat the clock to go back into the NBA, joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a reported two-year deal.
It has been a gratifying moment for the 24-year-old. After being left unsigned in the league market before the 2024-25 campaign started, Walker is beyond ecstatic that he finally made his return to the States to extend his NBA career.
After six years of being a productive bench contributor which includes a notable one-year run for the Los Angeles Lakers, fans loved what they saw as the 76ers gave him a chance.
While in Europe, Walker IV was pursued by several contending teams for his service. And it seems, he couldn’t ask for a much better franchise to embrace than in Philadelphia.
His entry to the City of Brotherly Love is considerably a dream fulfilled to play for his childhood side.
Hailing from Reading, Pennsylvania, Walker IV used to watch and tune in on 76ers games when he was a kid. Now, he can only consider his joining with the franchise as a “full-circle moment.”
“I’ve come to plenty of games, watching Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, the list goes on and on,” he said in his first media interview as a 76er.
“I’m only an hour and 20 (minutes) from here. I’m not too far. I played for a Philly team, as far as Team Final for AAU.
“This is for sure a full-circle moment in my career and I’m just truly blessed to be here.”
In his landing back to the NBA, Walker IV sees himself being around with a 76ers team that are desperate to save their season and make a late-season push.
Philadelphia has been disappointing. From the frequent inactivity of Joel Embiid and the underwhelming production of Paul George, the Sixers are at the 11th spot of the East with a 20-35 record.
Walker IV, who last played for the Brooklyn Nets in 2023-24 in which he averaged 9.2 points and 2.2 boards as a sixth man, fully understands the urgency and contributions he needs to provide for his new team.
“Everyone knows that I’m a scorer,” he said. “So just trying to find a way to consistently find myself on the court, even if I’m not scoring the ball.
“Rebounding; playing defense; being communicative; or just being a great teammate on the bench. Putting my pride and ego aside and doing what’s best for the team.”
