Lonnie Walker Faces NBA Cut, Potential EuroLeague Return Looms

Lonnie Walker, a former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, is reportedly on the verge of being cut from the NBA's Denver Nuggets, with Turkish club Besiktas expressing strong interest in signing him. Walker participated in the Nuggets' preseason loss to the Utah Jazz, playing garbage time minutes and scoring 3 points. Analysts have identified Walker as a "big loser" from the game, with journalists noting his limited role and suggesting he is unlikely to make the final roster. One journalist, Logan Struc, observed that while Walker's performance wasn't terrible, it fell short of expectations for a player fighting for a spot, and his late entry into the game might indicate the team's intentions. Another journalist, Joel Rush, expressed disappointment, stating Walker has only seen garbage time and is unlikely to make the Nuggets' squad.

Despite the bleak outlook, Nuggets coach David Adelman has kept a sliver of hope alive, previously stating Walker was "in the mix" for the final roster spot. Walker has four more games to convince Adelman before the NBA roster deadline on October 15th. The team acknowledges he has shown "a spark or two" but has not yet made a significant impact in his bid for a contract, which would be worth $3.3 million for one season if he makes the team.

Should Walker be released, Besiktas is reportedly prepared to offer him a substantial contract. Italian outlet "Pianeta" reported that Besiktas is closely monitoring his situation and aiming to bring him to Istanbul. Turkish sources cited by Italian and Greek media also indicate Walker is Besiktas's top target. The Turkish team already boasts four former Maccabi Tel Aviv players: Scottie Wilbekin, David DeJulius, Ante Žižić, and the former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, and is looking to add another.