The Denver Nuggets have waived guard Lonnie Walker IV, ending his attempt to make the team on a non-guaranteed training camp deal. The decision follows Denver's 133-128 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls on October 11, a game in which Walker did not play. It leaves the Nuggets with an open roster spot heading into the regular season.
Walker, 27, signed with Denver this offseason hoping for an NBA return after two years in Europe. His preseason run was brief and underwhelming. He scored three points with three rebounds in his debut against the Utah Jazz on October 4, a 97-109 loss. In the next game, a 117-106 win over Utah on October 6, he managed just one point in eight minutes. For the final preseason contest against the Bulls, he received a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision). That sealed his fate. The team's depth at guard, particularly on two-way contracts, made him expendable.
Financial flexibility and the emergence of younger players drove this decision. The Nuggets are in a tough salary cap position. Spending extra money on a 15th man who wasn't contributing didn't make sense. Players on two-way deals have impressed during camp. Cam Whitmore offers a similar score-first skill set off the bench. Ryan Nembhard and Bryce Hopkins have also shown promise. With Alpha Diallo making a case for minutes too, the perceived need for backcourt depth that prompted Walker's signing has faded. The team clearly feels its internal options are sufficient and more cost-effective.
The Nuggets conclude their preseason schedule with a road game against the LA Clippers on October 14. All eyes will now be on how Coach Michael Malone distributes guard minutes in that final tune-up. The open roster spot gives Denver optionality. They could promote a two-way player later, seek a veteran free agent, or carry the spot into the season for flexibility. For Walker, the NBA path is difficult a week before opening night. A return to the EuroLeague, where he was productive last season, seems a likely next step. The Nuggets will turn their full focus to the Clippers game and finalizing rotations.
Denver's preseason results show an offense finding its rhythm, with high-scoring games like the 133-point outing against Chicago. But the real test begins when the games count. Letting Walker go is a calculated bet that the current group is ready.
