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Should the Miami Heat Claim Lonnie Walker IV Off Waiver?
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- Should the Miami Heat Claim Lonnie Walker IV Off Waiver?
(Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – After signing an Exhibit 9 contract with the Denver Nuggets in early September, Lonnie Walker IV was reportedly waived on Monday, first reported by league insider Michael Scott of Hoops Hype.
The 27-year-old, who spent last season in EuroLeague, was eyeing a comeback to the NBA. Walker IV averaged 15.2 points on 39.4 percent shooting, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 28 games with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He is a reliable scorer and a potential spark off the bench, but for whatever reason, the seven-year veteran hasn't stayed in the league.
Although the Miami Heat have been searching for additional playmaking depth, Walker IV could be seen as an intriguing candidate. He's not necessarily a facilitator, but the Pennsylvania native is a ball-handler. Walker IV shouldn't have a difficult time initiating an offense featuring stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
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Plus, head coach Erik Spoelstra is keeping some principles from last season's fast-paced offense, which consists of not calling any plays and just going with the flow.
Walker IV could be the Heat's biggest scoring threat off the bench. Although Nikola Jovic, Bobby Portis Jr., Pelle Larsson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are reliable floor spacers, they don't produce consistent offense. There's going to be nights when the Heat are struggling as a whole offensively, but someone has to bring that spark that gets everyone else going. Walker IV can provide that and proved it in the 2023 playoffs.
In Game 4 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Golden State Warriors, the former first-round pick scored 15 points on 66.7 percent shooting – all in the fourth quarter – three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Walker IV propelled the Lakers to a 3-1 series lead, then won in six games.
The Heat can sign him to a two-year, veteran minimum contract to stay under the $2.83 first-apron threshold. It was announced on Tuesday that he hired sports agent Misko Raznatovic, CEO and founder of BeoBasket. Although he's expected to find Walker IV work overseas, the Heat could make a quick call.
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As the preseason reaches the final stretch, the deadline for all teams to finalize standard rosters is next Monday, Oct. 19. The Heat will have an opportunity to make any last-minute changes, including veteran center Nick Richards' non-guaranteed contract. Head coach Erik Spoelstra is known to maximize talent and Lonnie Walker IV is looking for another shot.
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