NBA: 5 Former free agents who will thrive with new teams in 2023-24

NBA players who will thrive with new teams – Lonnie Walker IV, Brooklyn Nets

During his five-year career with the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, Lonnie Walker IV has shown glimpses of potential. However, perhaps due to his constantly fluctuating role, he has not been able to unearth it completely. Finally wanting to showcase it, the 24-year-old signed a prove-it deal worth the minimum with the Brooklyn Nets. He has an opportunity to display what he can provide to an organization on an up-and-coming Nets team next season.

Walker could be an incredibly important piece off of the bench for Brooklyn. He’ll bring scoring on all three levels, defense, and intensity whenever he steps on the court. Per NBA.com/stats, the Nets were a middle-of-the-pack team in terms of bench scoring last season, having averaged the 16th most in the NBA. Walker, who has averaged 11.7 points over the last three seasons, should give them a boost in that area if he carves out a legitimate role in the rotation.

This is the definition of a low-risk, high-reward signing. Adding a former first-round pick who is still just 24 years old on a minimum deal is a tremendous value and could pay off in a big way for a very interesting Nets team that has a lot on the line next season. Walker likely will not be involved in the “Most Improved Player” talks, but he could very well take a nice little leap this season.