🫖 Taylor’s Tea Time

☕ The Tea: As initially reported by John Karalis, Lonnie Walker IV has decided against joining the Maine Celtics.

🗣️ Taylor: I didn’t see this coming. I expected Walker to sign on with the Maine C’s, collecting his $70K (ish) bonus after being with the team for long enough before eventually being signed by either the Celtics or another NBA team.

Last week, Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews reported that Real Madrid was interested in Walker for the upcoming season.

“According to BasketNews sources, Real Madrid has set their sights on the 25-year-old 1.93m guard,” Urbonas wrote. “After a slow start in the EuroLeague (2-2) and ACB (2-2), Madrid is exploring the market to bolster their roster…Per BasketNews sources, Real Madrid are also exploring other potential options available on the market…It remains to be seen if Walker is open to bringing his talents to Europe.”

Multiple NBA teams still have open roster spots. Walker is more than good enough to continue his career in the NBA. But, if he wants a major role within a rotation, in one of the best Non-US leagues in the world, Real Madrid would be a strong landing spot. Either way, I would assume his chances of returning to Boston on a full-scale contract have slightly regressed following his decision.

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👁️👂🍬 Eye ‘N’ Ear Candy

Today’s podcast focused on Pritchard’s performance, his value as the 6th man, and how the Bucks desperately need game-changers off the bench. Tap in and subscribe!

🔍 Taylor’s 5 Takes

1. Payton Pritchard is auditioning for 6MOTY

Pritchard was a beast. For the first time in his career, he’s come into a season knowing exactly what his role would be. As a byproduct, the rest of the NBA is in trouble. Pritchard is leading the league in total points scored off the bench over four games, with 65. He’s shooting 50% from deep on his 3-point attempts.

“Payton Pritchard happened. Honestly, it’s so funny but it’s not. This morning I literally circled his name,” Rivers said. “It’s like this guy comes in and he’s a gamechanger. I don’t know if you remember last year, but we had a six point lead and he came in and changed the whole game. He did it again tonight. He got their three ball going.”

Take a look at this slot drive from Jrue Holiday. Pritchard’s cut was a primary reason why the court opened up as Holiday attacked the rim. His gravity forced Damian Lillard to make a tough decision, and by sticking with his initial assignment, there was no one to meet Holiday as he entered the paint.