With how many players that the New York Knicks have sidelined, head coach Tom Thibodeau had to turn back to his former starting point guard, Kemba Walker, on Saturday night against the Boston Celtics. Walker responded with a great game, scoring a season-high 29 points in 37 minutes played — catching the attention of many around the NBA.
Walker had not seen the court in the last 10 games, the previous nine of which were coach’s decision – DNP’s. You would not have known that with how he performed, as he didn’t look like someone whose last NBA action came on November 26th.
The Bronx native should be in the rotation for the next few games as the Knicks have six players in the league’s health and safety protocols; Obi Toppin, RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Kevin Knox II, Immanuel Quickley and Deuce McBride. Derrick Rose’s status for Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons is up in the air as he deals with a sore ankle.
Following the game against his former team, Walker was honest and forthcoming when asked questions. While he doesn’t know what his future holds with the Knicks, he wants to play and knows that he is still capable of performing at a high level.
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One of the more surprising things that Walker touched on was his communication with Thibodeau. Walker said that the two of them haven’t discussed the matter much and that they haven’t talked since the demotion.
On Monday, Thibodeau was asked about it. He said he appreciated the comments that Walker made and respects him. Thibodeau knows there are going to be frustrations, but reiterated that he needs to do what is best for the team.
This will assuredly not be the last time that Thibodeau has to address the matter involving Walker. There were high hopes for when the team signed the Connecticut product to be their starting point guard and how things unfolded is disappointing for many involved.
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But, Kemba Walker showed that he can still contribute to a team. Things would have been very ugly on Saturday night had he not been available to play and help keep the New York Knicks in the game.
