Lonnie Walker’s absence casts a shadow over Maccabi Tel Aviv’s EuroLeague start
Maccabi Tel Aviv ended a difficult domestic stretch with two losses to Hapoel Jerusalem within a week, and the blue-and-yellow future in the EuroLeague now hinges on how they begin the continental season. The opening game is an away test against Anadolu Efes in Montenegro, a matchup that could set the tone for their campaign. The most talked-about variable entering this week is Lonnie Walker IV, the team’s top scorer and potentially its most dynamic weapon for the season ahead.
What happened and what it means for the opener
Walker’s absence noted, official line given
Before the team departed for the trip to Montenegro, it was confirmed that Lonnie Walker did not attend the latest on-court session. The club cited personal reasons for his absence and stated that he would return to practice the following day. With EuroLeague action just around the corner, questions quickly turned to whether he would be ready for the trip and the opening game against Anadolu Efes.
Walker’s recent form and the path forward
Walker’s late-season arrival has energized the club’s offense. In his first appearance against Kiryat Ata, he posted 24 points in 27 minutes, signaling his potential to be a heavy contributor if he can remain healthy and engaged. In the semifinal against Hapoel Jerusalem, he finished with 12 points in 24 minutes, a performance that underscored both his scoring ability and his role within the team’s rotation. The key question now is whether this absence is a short-term personal matter or a sign of a broader risk factor for his availability during the opening week of EuroLeague play.
Opening week schedule and what to watch
The opening week presents a stern test: a Greek-trending Turkish powerhouse in Anadolu Efes, followed by a date with Paris Basketball. For a team that has struggled to hit its stride in the early domestic games, the EuroLeague calendar offers both a fresh challenge and a potential spark if Walker returns in time. The early results in the domestic league have emphasized the need for a reliable scoring punch, and Walker’s presence could tilt the balance in their favor in Montenegro and beyond.
Implications for the rotation and the season
Walker’s status will inevitably influence how Maccabi Tel Aviv structures its rotation in the first week. If he boards the flight to Montenegro, he could provide the dynamic scoring and late-game closing power that the team needs in such high-caliber matchups. If he remains unavailable, the coaching staff will need to lean on the remaining wings and guards to manufacture offense more efficiently and tighten the defense against a top-tier opponent like Anadolu Efes. Either way, the start to the EuroLeague season will reveal a lot about the squad’s depth and the coaching staff’s ability to adapt on the fly.
What to watch in the coming days
Key questions will include: Is Walker able to travel and participate in the opening week’s activities? If yes, how quickly can he regain his timing and rhythm in a EuroLeague setting? How will the rest of the rotation adjust to any absence, and who steps up as the primary secondary creator when he isn’t available? As Maccabi Tel Aviv faces Anadolu Efes in their Montenegro venue and then Paris Basketball, the answers could be telling for the team’s ceiling this season.
Bottom line
Lonnie Walker’s availability will significantly shape Maccabi Tel Aviv’s early EuroLeague performance. The club will be hoping for a quick return and a strong contribution from their leading scorer as they look to translate domestic momentum into continental success. Tuesday’s game against Anadolu Efes stands as a crucial barometer for a team navigating a demanding opening week with eyes on a longer run in the EuroLeague.
