When New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau removed former NBA All-Star Kemba Walker from the rotation a few weeks ago, it was a move that surprised a lot of people. Thibodeau isn’t one to make drastic changes normally, but removing Walker from the rotation is one decision people could understand.
Walker is not the same player he was even two years ago. The knee issue that plagued him during his tenure with the Boston Celtics sapped him of a lot of quickness and explosiveness, which limited his effectiveness on the court.
The Bronx native was never regarded as a strong defender, but things had been getting worse. New York was one of the best teams in the NBA with Walker on the bench, but with him on the court, they were one of the worst based on net rating.
He was far from the only issue, but Thibodeau believed removing him would help compensate for other areas the team was struggling in. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as the New York Knicks have been worse without Walker in the rotation.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Kemba Walker Has Strong Feelings About Being Out Of Knicks’ Rotation
They were 11-9 when it was announced that Alec Burks would be taking over as the starting point guard. The team is now 13-17, struggling to get on track. All of the pieces they are missing because of COVID or injuries won’t help that, but it has provided a chance for Walker to get back in the lineup.
Walker started at point guard on Saturday night against his former team in the Celtics and played well. He scored a season-high 29 points and some people believe he should be re-inserted into the lineup and not removed in the first place.
Figuring out what Thibodeau will do is anyone’s guess, as Walker doesn’t even seem to know. Following the game Saturday, Walker revealed that he and Thibodeau haven’t had any talks on the matter and haven’t communicated in recent weeks.
“Was I confused? No,” Walker said of the lack of communication with Thibodeau. “I’m not starting, I ain’t playing. So it is what it is.
“I’m here for my team, I’m here for my teammates. I can’t say it enough. Whatever’s asked of me that’s what I’m here for.”
Walker should remain in the lineup for the coming days as the team will remain shorthanded. But, there is a chance he goes right back to the end of the bench once the team begins to get healthy again.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Kemba Walker Has Strong Feelings About Being Out Of Knicks’ Rotation
While he hasn’t talked to Thibodeau, he has been working with the coaching staff. Walker credits assistant coach Johnnie Bryant for helping keep him sharp physically and mentally for his return. Based on how he played against the Celtics, the work they are putting in must be working.
