San Antonio Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV pauses on the court after injuring his leg during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 117-93. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less
San Antonio Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV pauses on the court after injuring his leg during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in San Antonio. San ... more
Photo: Darren Abate, Associated Press
Photo: Darren Abate, Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO – Injured rookie guard Lonnie Walker IV is confident he will be back with the Spurs "very soon" following a rehab stint in the G League.
Speaking to reporters after practice Tuesday with the Austin Spurs at the Spurs practice facility, Walker said his injured knee feels "great." The workouts with the developmental squad mark a significant benchmark in his recovery from the right medial meniscus tear he suffered in the preseason.
"It feels like I am back to Lonnie Walker," he said. "Just continue to find my rhythm and everything. But day by day, it is nothing but improvement. Every day, I can see significant difference on my leg and just how I play overall."
RELATED: 6 things that make Spur Lonnie Walker the 'world's most interesting rookie'
Walker, who the Spurs selected 18th overall in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, is scheduled to play for the Austin Spurs at 7:30 p.m. Friday when they host the Agua Caliente Clippers at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. The Austin Spurs are scheduled to end their practices in San Antonio on Wednesday after beginning the workouts with Walker on Sunday.
"I will be playing down in Austin for a few days, (with) minute restrictions and stuff," Walker said. "Just trying to get a rhythm, get a feel for the game. It's been a little while, so my time will be come. It's going to be very soon and I will be officially back up (with the Spurs)."
Walker injured his knee in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 5 and underwent surgery three days later. He suffered the same injury in July 2017 before he began his one season with the Miami Hurricanes.
"Any adversity that comes my way, it's easy for me," he said. "I have a very strong mentality and I know how to approach this. It's my second time doing this, and I know how to work on it and keep that confidence level at an even keel."
Walker credited his teammates, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, general manager R.C. Buford and Spurs great Tim Duncan with "continuing to encourage me." He also said he has tried to be patient with the recovery process.
"You got to crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run," he said. "So, it's all about stages and taking steps little by little until it's my opportunity. And when it comes, hopefully, I can play the best I can play. "