New Zalgiris Kaunas guard Lonnie Walker IV has arrived in Lithuania and is already putting in the work during practices to catch up with his new team. After six years in the NBA, Walker decided to test the waters in Europe, and his early impressions have been positive.

“Honestly, it’s better than what I expected,” Walker told Zalgiris TV in his first interview. “The facility is beautiful, and everybody here has been truly nice to me. Just allowing the transition to be as easy as possible.”

The 25-year-old was waived by the Boston Celtics just before the new season began, leaving him with limited options. He chose to join Zalgiris, in part because of head coach Andrea Trinchieri.

Walker appreciated Trinchieri’s transparency and openness during their discussions.

“Weighing out my cards, seeing what's next, what’s new, and what's best for me,” he reflected on choosing his next stop. “I know my capabilities. I know what type of player I am, how good of a player I am, and what I can be. It’s just about fitting in with the right team at the right means or getting the opportunity where opportunity meets preparation, so Zalgiris, honestly, was one of the perfect places to play with, as far as the team, the defensive schemes, and everything of that aspect. I think the stars aligned with this one.

“I think coach Andrea already instilled the aspect of we want you to be the Lonnie that you can be. And there are certain things that we know we can take to get you to the next step or to that next level as a player, and that's all I really needed to hear,” Walker continued. “Like I said, I’m always very ambitious about being my best - best person, best self on and off the court. Coming here, being around the coaches, and being able to talk to them, I know it's genuine. I know that he [Trinchieri] has my best interest, and he wants me to be as great of a player as I want to be.”

What's his overall opinion on Trinchieri?

“I mean, he’s a great guy,” Walker said of the Italian specialist. “Obviously, I could see the big picture and understand the perspectives of those natures, but just being able to talk to him, he's a very authentic guy. He doesn't tell you lies or anything, it's straight transparency. It's the truth, and that's all you can ask for when it comes to coaches. It’s that transparent aspect of just communicating, being real with each other, and being honest. Sometimes, the truth hurts, but at the end of the day, it’s for your best. I know that he has my best interest.”

Of course, as a player new to European basketball, Walker understands he will need time to adjust. However, he underlined that he doesn't want to disrupt the team's dynamic, especially since Zalgiris leads the EuroLeague with a 6-1 record.

“I’m not too far-fetched on the aspect of coming here and shooting 1000 shots and averaging 100 points. I’m coming here to win,” he stated. “That's my focal point, and I let everything else follow its way, but I’m here to win and to play team basketball, Zalgiris basketball, and just rely on my teammates.

“Obviously, this is a new transition in my life,” he went on to say. “When it comes to that aspect, just asking as many questions as I can possibly ask, all the questions I don’t know, even questions that I do know. As far as the transition, really relying on on the team, the culture, and the fans.”

Walker has been observing EuroLeague basketball and has noted some differences compared to the NBA. 

“For sure, the physicality, just allowing players to play defense. Having the bigs sit in the paint, things of that nature," Walker said. “As far as the defensive end, how much harder is to score and even how hard is to play defense on this type of level. Really, the physicality aspect is set aside from a lot of things, but I'm a very physical player, so that shouldn't be that much of a transition for me.

“I’m a very athletic guard. I like to go to the rim, and I like to attack,” he added. “We’re going to test it out, we’re going to see where it goes, but on that aspect, it’s all just about growth, consistently getting better. Day by day, game by day, I know I’m only going to get better and better. It might take time, it might not, but through it all, I know I'm going to put in 110% each and every day, whether I’m having a game or coming to practice earlier to get shots. I was joking about having an air mattress here in the arena, but honestly, I’m kind of not joking.”

Walker has shown the ability to score in bursts, averaging 9.8 points over 322 regular-season NBA games. But how does he feel about his defense?

“I’ve been called out, at least as far as my NBA career, [for] my defense. I think I’m a pretty good defender when given the right players and the right time,” he said. “I’m really just trying to focus on that component for my team. Just being tenacious on the defensive end with speed and strength. I think I can be one of the top defenders, and I just have to hone in on that aspect and take great pride. As far as offense, I’m not really too pressed or so much in a hurry to focus on the offensive end. That’s gonna come.”

Regarding his physical condition, Walker assures fans that he is ready.

“Even after I got waved from Boston, I've been working out two or three times a day,” he said. “I’m staying in shape that I can possibly stay. Just for this moment to stay ready.”

Zalgiris has a EuroLeague Round 8 game on Thursday in Munich against Bayern, and Walker is eager to be part of it.

“Absolutely. I’m ready right now,” he affirmed. “If we had a game today, I'd love to suit up and be prepared for my team and come out with a win.”