Lonnie Walker in line for Nets time if Spencer Dinwiddie is out again
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MIAMI — The Nets will be down two starters Wednesday, and will likely be without a third facing the reigning Eastern Conference champions.
Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson will each miss a third straight game, while Spencer Dinwiddie (and backup Dennis Smith Jr.) are doubtful against Miami.
But the Nets seem to have avoided any worst-case scenarios with Dinwiddie, after the starting guard suffered a sprained left ankle in Monday’s win at Charlotte.
And the Nets got yeoman’s work in his absence from Lonnie Walker IV, with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and a plus-11.
After Dinwiddie got hurt and checked out of Monday’s game with 8:18 left in the second quarter, Brooklyn not ruling him out against the Heat bodes well.
Walker’s performance is at least as auspicious — although not surprising.
“That’s Lonnie Walker. If you watched him last year, you know what he’s capable of,” Ben Simmons said. “He deserves to play every night. He’s one of the guys we need on this team to have nights like this.”
After inking a veteran minimum deal with Brooklyn this summer, Walker took a DNP in the season opener.
But he had 14 points and finished plus-8 Friday in Dallas, and opened the second half for Dinwiddie at Charlotte.
He could see significant time again versus the Heat.
“I’ve been in this position before a plethora of times, understanding the business side and understanding maybe that day is just not my day,” Walker said. “But most importantly, it’s all about winning. So when I’m on that court, what am I doing to help my team win if I’m not playing? What am I doing to help my team off on the bench? That’s being essentially being a great teammate.“By the grace of God, you take it day-to-day and just stay in the gym and work your tail off.”
The way Walker stayed ready carries weight with Jacque Vaughn.
“This goes a long ways,” Vaughn said. “I don’t play him the first game. … For him to still have the commitment to the team, to [say,] ‘All right second game, let’s see what coach does.’ Third game, to stay with us. To me that speaks to who he is, how we can build with him. And he’s showing the ability that he can produce.”
The Nets signed Keon Johnson, 21, to a two-way deal. The news was first reported by ESPN, and confirmed by The Post.
The 6-foot-5 guard was the 21st overall pick in 2021.
First-round pick Dariq Whitehead went five-on-five at G-League Long Island’s practice Tuesday, according to NetsDaily.
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