Considering their litany of injuries — offensive engine Ben Simmons and leading scorer Cam Thomas are still out — here’s a thought Nets fans don’t want to contemplate: Where would they be without Lonnie Walker IV?
It’s a question they hope goes unanswered.
One of the shrewder signings in the league this summer, Walker joined the Nets on a $2 million veteran minimum and has helped keep their decimated offense afloat.
“He’s just continuing to make plays for us on both ends of the floor,” said Jacque Vaughn. “He’s flying around on the defensive end of the floor, which we need. And then offensively, you see his ability to attack the rim.”
Walker is averaging 15.7 points, third on the team behind only Thomas and Mikal Bridges.
His 121.7 offensive rating leads all Nets who have logged 100 minutes.
“He can score the ball and he’s been in attack mode. He’s been locked in, plays with pace, strong getting to the basket,” Cam Johnson gushed. “He’s doing big things for us, and I really appreciate it. So, credit to him for taking that momentum and continuing to ride that wave.”
To what does Walker credit his offensive success?
“Not too many people can guard me, honestly,” Walker said with a grin. “But at the end of it all, just playing smart, understanding what they’re also giving.”
On Thursday, that was attacking the rim whenever Kevin Love replaced Bam Adebayo.
The results were either good looks or fouls.
And a team high-tying 23 points against the Heat.
“Just really taking what they give me,” Walker said. “I took a couple bad shots, and had some bad turnovers that I shouldn’t have had. But I watch a ton of film on what to do, how other teams are excelling, how they’re scoring… So just playing to my capability and understanding their gameplan and how we should play.”
Though Jimmy Butler took over with 18 points in the third quarter, Walker answered with 13 in just over nine minutes during that third period.
He has scored 173 points this season coming off the bench, second only to Dallas’ Tim Hardaway Jr. (224). And whether he’s a darkhorse Sixth Man of the Year candidate, he’s a boon for Vaughn.
“It’s really a luxury for me as a coach to be able to have small and big lineups and to be able to have a group out there with Lonnie that can play with either group,” Vaughn said. “He’s proven that he can play with our starting group; he’s proven he can come off the bench and be a spark plug for us.
“When he’s able to finish games — because we need his scoring and we need his ability to get to the rim — he spreads the floor for us. So he’s really utilizing his minutes to attack and be in attack mode. Definitely a luxury for a coach, for sure.”
Walker, still just 24, has played five seasons but never had the license he’s enjoyed with the Nets.
He was starting last season for the Lakers until missing a month with knee tendinitis and losing his spot to Austin Reaves.
The latter got a $56 million contract and Walker got let go.
But now a struggling Reaves has been benched, while Walker is thriving.
“It’s a blessing,” Walker said. “I’ve been in this league. This is my sixth year. This is really the first year where I can showcase my abilities offensively as far as a three-level scorer. And [Vaughn] has allowed me to play through that. I really thank God and coach JV for the opportunity, and I take it to the heart. I really want to play to the best of my capabilities, but play smart as well.
“It’s not all about me. Not trying to shoot 30 shots. I want to get my teammates involved as well. But our bench… we’ve just got a lot of dogs, that simple — we want to win. And everyone has a chip on their shoulder.”