Kemba Walker had a subpar 2018-19 season, but in his first game back with the New York Knicks he looked exactly like the All-Star that we saw for years. He and Michael Beasley combined to score 50 points on only 27 shots and showed why you shouldn’t be an overrated coach or GM ever again.
Kemba Walker made his return to the court on Saturday night, but not in a way that any of us expected. The New York Knicks were hosting the Charlotte Hornets, and Kemba put up a performance that left Tom Thibodeau and the rest of the team looking foolish.
Kemba Walker has been out of the New York Knicks’ rotation for over a month, which is unusual. Despite the Knicks’ recent 2-7 record without Walker on the floor, head coach Tom Thibodeau has stuck to his decision to bench the four-time All-Star.
On Saturday night, though, Thibodeau was obliged to reintroduce Walker into the lineup, and the point guard made his coach and the whole Knicks franchise look silly in his return to the floor.
Kemba Walker has been on the bench for the last nine games.
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With Walker in the starting lineup, the Knicks got off to a fast start this season. New York was 5-1 after six games, and Walker was shooting at a high rate while taking fewer attempts than he usually does.
The happy days, however, did not last long.
The Knicks went on to lose eight of their next 13 games after a 5-1 start, and Walker began to struggle on both sides of the court. Thibodeau chose to cut ties with the point guard after he averaged only 11.7 points and 3.1 assists per game in his first 18 starts with the squad.
According to Newsday, Thibodeau told reporters last month, “It’s a difficult choice to make, but you have to do what’s best for the team.” “I think of Kemba as a starter, so playing three tiny guards together would be difficult.” … I have a lot of admiration for Kemba Walker as a person and for what he’s done in the NBA. However, I must do what is best for the squad.”
Walker sat on the bench for nine consecutive games, during which the Knicks went 2-7.
In his comeback, Walker makes the Knicks look dumb.
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COVID-19 absences prompted Thibodeau to reintroduce Walker into the starting lineup against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, and he made the most of it.
In the 114-107 defeat, Walker had a season-high 29 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Walker earned a team-best +5 in the game despite the defeat.
He was honest about his lengthy benching after the game.
“I know I should be playing, so there’s no problem.” According to ESPN, Walker told reporters, “It feels wonderful.” “However, no matter what position I’m in, I’m going to be locked in and prepared.” I’ll be available for anything the team requires of me.”
It’s past time to put a halt to this farce.
During a game against the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks’ Kemba Walker reacts | Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images
After his shooting slump, Thibodeau could have sent Walker to the bench, but entirely removing him from the lineup is absurd. Walker can go off on any given night, and even if he hasn’t been playing his best basketball this season, when he’s hot, he can lead the Knicks to victory.
Walker, on the other hand, has handled his benching like a veteran.
He remarked Saturday, “I’ve had a terrific career so far, and a lot of things have gone my way.” “It’s a difficult moment right now, so it’s really just about demonstrating my character, demonstrating who I am.” I’m so psychologically strong that I feel like I’m made for any scenario, and I’ll deal with it as best I can.”
Even if the Knicks want to trade Walker before the February deadline, he should be on the floor every night to demonstrate what he can offer another club. It’s time to put a stop to this farce and get the 31-year-old back into the lineup permanently.
Basketball Reference provided all stats.
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