Having hosted the preliminary rounds of the Commonwealth Games tournament in which the forward was an 11th-hour call-up, the Queensland city will be the setting for the next phase of his life.

Cairns Taipans announced late on Monday that Walker would be the first addition to their 2018-19 playing roster.

The news came after the 33-year-old free agent stated his desire to keep playing in the NBL following five seasons with Melbourne Tigers/United, one with Adelaide 36ers and two with Perth which included the 2017 championship.

Walker told the Taipans’ website he was keen to be part of head coach Mike Kelly’s future plans.

“After speaking with Mike, I'm excited about the direction he wants to take and the type of team he wants to put together,” said the former Riverside High student, who moved to Canberra in 2003 to attend the Australian Institute of Sport.

“The NBL is getting more competitive every season and I’m really embracing the challenge and making the most of every opportunity I get on the court.”

Kelly said Walker’s athletic abilities would complement the “up-tempo” team he is putting together.

“Entering the free agency period, we looked at multiple options and with each roster model, Lucas Walker’s name just kept popping up. He’s a player with traits that align with the way we want to play - in particular, his versatility and toughness,” Kelly said.

“Lucas is unselfish, has a great ability to get to the rim and rebounds the ball at a high rate. He has experienced the highs and lows of the NBL and continues to prove himself as a consistently good basketball player who helps his team win.”