Lonnie Walker IV goes scoreless in his EuroLeague debut
Lonnie Walker IV had a tough EuroLeague debut for Zalgiris Kaunas, going scoreless and finishing with -9 in efficiency which is the second-worst PIR number in the team’s history.
Zalgiris Kaunas newcomer Lonnie Walker IV debuted in the EuroLeague but it was a night to forget for him.The former NBA player went scoreless in almost 13 minutes on the court, missing all four of his two-point attempts and four shots from beyond the arc. He added two turnovers, one steal, and recorded a PIR of -9. With this number, Walker registered the second-worst PIR in Zalgiris history.
Also, his team lost to FC Bayern Munich on the road, 77-74.
Walker, 25, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the game. After starting, he was subbed in and out six times, never quite getting settled in his short stints on the court.
Having arrived in Kaunas just last Sunday, Walker only participated in a couple of team practices before his debut.
In his first interview, Walker acknowledged that he might need some time to adapt to EuroLeague basketball.
While his contract with Zalgiris runs through the season, several NBA teams are already keeping an eye on him. Walker has an NBA exit clause in February, meaning he could potentially return to the league if the opportunity comes.
Worst PIR performances in Zalgiris history
| No. | Season | Player | PIR |
| 1. | 2007-08 | Jonas Maciulis | -10 |
| 2-6. | 2024-25 | Lonnie Walker IV | -9 |
| 2-6. | 2008-09 | Willie Dean | -9 |
| 2-6. | 2005-06 | Reggie Freeman | -9 |
| 2-6. | 2023-24 | Tomas Dimsa | -9 |
| 2-6. | 2023-24 | Rolands Smits | -9 |
| 7-13. | 2024-25 | Tyrone Wallace | -8 |
| 7-13. | 2003-04 | Ainars Bagatskis | -8 |
| 7-13. | 2018-19 | Antanas Kavaliauskas | -8 |
| 7-13. | 2004-05 | Gediminas Navickas | -8 |
| 7-13. | 2008-09 | Willie Dean | -8 |
| 7-13. | 2011-12 | Sonny Weems | -8 |
| 7-13. | 2001-02 | Donatas Slanina | -8 |
Worst PIR performances in EuroLeague history
| No. | Season | Player | PIR |
| 1. | 2013-14 | Luka Zoric | -14 |
| 2-3. | 2007-08 | Chuck Eidson | -13 |
| 2-3. | 2018-19 | Earl Clark | -13 |
| 4-8. | 2010-11 | Brent Wright | -12 |
| 4-8. | 2003-04 | Slavko Duscak | -12 |
| 4-8. | 2010-11 | Milovan Rakovic | -12 |
| 4-8. | 2019-20 | Brandon Davies | -12 |
| 4-8. | 2021-22 | Isaiah Canaan | -12 |
| 9-17. | 2001-02 | Larry Middleton | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2017-18 | Dragan Milosavljevic | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2014-15 | Jayson Granger | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2010-11 | Nihad Dedovic | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2008-09 | Tamar Slay | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2001-02 | Robert Youngblood | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2018-19 | Mindaugas Kuzminskas | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2023-24 | Carsen Edwards | -11 |
| 9-17. | 2008-09 | Louis Bullock | -11 |
