The point guard position has been a mess for the New York Knicks for a long time. They have constantly shuffled through players as they have not been able to pin down a long-term option. There has been thought that has changed for the Knicks this NBA offseason after the news broke of the signing of Kemba Walker.
Last season it was Elfrid Payton who started the most games for the team at point guard. He was the target of a lot of criticism from fans and some media members, as he struggled mightily on offense scoring the ball.
Payton started 63 games, averaging 10.1 points on 43.2 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from the 3-point line, and 68.2 percent from the foul line. He averaged 3.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds as well.
The Knicks will continue their troubling trend of having a new starting point guard in the 2021-22 season, but fans are much more excited about it this time around. Bronx native Kemba Walker should be taking over as the team’s starting point guard.
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For the first time in a long time, the point guard position may actually be a strength for the Knicks. Walker was signed to a two-year contract worth just under $18 million with the New York Knicks. He is joining Derrick Rose, who was re-signed to a three-year, $43 million deal, Immanuel Quickley, and rookie Deuce McBride in the backcourt.
New York is deep and talented at the point guard position, a luxury they did not have in past seasons. With Walker’s knee ailments being highly publicized, it was great that the Knicks have other options that can run the offense should he need some time away from the court.
Even while hobbled by the knee injury last season, Kemba Walker averaged 19.3 points, 4.9 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 31.8 minutes per game. He made 36 percent of his 3-point attempts, knocking down 3.0 per game, the fourth time he has made that many in five seasons.
His presence in the lineup is a huge improvement for the New York Knicks. He will take pressure off of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett as the sole creators offensively.
The 3-point shooting and spacing he will provide will help open things up for them and Evan Fournier. Walker will also make sure to get them into spots to succeed, leading to fewer forced shots and better efficiency offensively.
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With Leon Rose’s depth, Tom Thibodeau won’t have to rely on Walker for heavy minutes. He will average a career-low 26 minutes per game, but it will help him play in 74 games, the most he has appeared in since the 2018-19 season.
The former NBA All-Star will also provide stellar production, averaging 17.5 points per game, knocking down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts. He will dish out 5.4 assists and grab 3.5 rebounds per game to go along with 1.1 steals.
With his minutes and reps handled the way they are during the regular season, Kemba Walker will be able to increase his workload in the postseason, pushing closer to 32 minutes per game when Thibodeau shortens his rotation.
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