1. Kemba Walker, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks came into the 2021 offseason ready to make a splash. Coming off of a 41-31 season that resulted in a fourth-place finish, the Knicks were in a position to upgrade the roster.
They had the cap space to go after the big-ticket free agents and some assets to swing a big trade should one present itself. Alas, those moves didn’t come to fruition and many people labeled this offseason a bust for New York. But, in actuality, this offseason was a major win and the signing of Kemba Walker was the icing on the cake.
The Knicks have needed a point guard for a long time and they now have one in Walker, who is coming home to play for the Knicks. The two-year, $17.9 million deal he signed was facilitated by the Oklahoma City Thunder agreeing to a buyout with him. Whatever he gave back to Oklahoma City, he recouped from the Knicks in what is a major win for both sides.
Walker has battled knee issues the last two seasons, but he still managed to score 19.3 points per game last season with 3.0 3-pointers per game and 4.9 assists. If the Knicks can get even that production, not even a return to his All-Star form, this offense will be taken to another level.
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Walker, even at what he played last season, is a major upgrade at the point guard position over Elfrid Payton. He provides New York with a third option behind Julius Randle and RJ Barrett as another player that can create some offense.
This is a home run signing, as the Knicks landed a possible star on a great contract. Even if he cannot play in 75 games anymore, Walker still presents excellent value on this contract.
