"They're also chasing greatness": Lonnie Walker IV gets candid on Celtics title aspirations ahead of preseason clash vs Nuggets
After not being able to find a home this offseason, Lonnie Walker IV had to settle for an Exhibit 10 contract with the Boston Celtics. Ahead of their overseas preseason matchup, the veteran forward, touched on the team's title aspirations.
With their current core, the Celtics had multiple deep runs in the postseason but were never able to break through and secure a championship. That all changed last season when the star-studded took down the Dallas Mavericks to be the last team standing.
While speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi on October 3, Lonnie Walker was asked about the Celtics' desire to repeat as champions in 2025. He said the organization is not only chasing titles, but greatness as well.
"I know the expectations being here are high," Walker said. "They're not only trying to repeat and chase champions, but they're chasing greatness."
"Of course they want to be champions but they also want to be one of the greatest teams and organizations ever."
Coming off a strong season with the Brooklyn Nets, Walker finds himself in an interesting position. On an Exhibit 10 contract, there's a good chance he'll end up playing in the G-League for the Celtics' affiliate following preseason. A tough route to go for a player who has proven they are a rotation-level player in the league.
Walker appeared in 58 games for the Nets last season and averaged 9.7 points and shot 38.4% from beyond the arc.
Lonnie Walker IV reveals special moment with Steph Curry
Before his time with the Brooklyn Nets, Lonnie Walker spent one season with the LA Lakers. In his lone year with the franchise, he would end up having a special moment with one of the NBA's biggest stars.
While signing memorabilia in Abu Dhabi, Walker was asked what his favorite thing from his own collection is. He revealed that Steph Curry gave him his jersey following a standout performance in the postseason.
"Steph Curry gave me his jersey. Said he would never forgive me for what I had done to him," Walker said. "My mom and dad called me crying."
The game Lonnie Walker is referring to is Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals in 2023. After not scoring at all that night, the veteran forward managed to come alive and score 15 points in the fourth quarter en route to a Lakers win.
That game would end up being Walker's best night of that postseason run, and it resulted in a special moment with an all-time great. He would end up having another solid outing in the series-clincher, notching 13 points on 3-for-5 shooting from deep.
Now with the Celtics, Walker will hope to once again be part of a deep postseason run.