The Dallas Mavericks are changing their backcourt as they are looking to get some more help for Luka Doncic. Veteran Kemba Walker will be signed from NBA free agency to help bolster the backcourt with Facundo Campazzo, who was on a non-guaranteed deal, getting released.
One NBA scout that spoke to NBA Analysis Network spoke about what Walker can bring to the table in Dallas as a complementary player to the team. While there is some risk involved, he is a better fit for the roster than Campazzo was given the areas in which he still excels.
“The knee obviously brings concerns. The Knicks shut him down in February, and he hasn’t played since. … I know he says he feels good. Regardless, that’s a concern until proven otherwise. … Walker is at least a better fit than Campazzo since he can make open 3-pointers and is more of a shot creator. Neither offers much defensively, so that’s a wash in that respect. It’s not a bad flier to take, but the management of that spot is certainly head-scratching from a big-picture view. They had other options, like Goran Dragic this summer, but I digress.”
Knee issues have plagued Walker since leaving the Charlotte Hornets. After playing in all 82 games during the 2018-19 season, Walker played in only 56 the following season, his first after signing a max contract with the Boston Celtics. Things worsened the following season in Boston and last season with the New York Knicks as he played in only 43 and 37 games, respectively.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dallas Mavericks To Sign Kemba Walker Amid 4-Game Losing Streak
While Walker may not have his signature agility and quickness any longer, the one thing that he can still do with success is shooting the ball. That is something that the Mavericks need more of as their offense has struggled without Doncic on the court.
However, another layer to this signing is rookie Jaden Hardy. He was selected 37th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft and Dallas doesn’t seem ready to give him a regular role in the rotation yet. That is something that the scout believes should be done instead of giving minutes to Walker.
“Jaden Hardy is playing at a very high level in the G League. He can play on and off the ball. I’m not sure what he has to do at this point to earn an opportunity. … They probably wouldn’t be approaching it this way if he was picked in the mid-teens or 20s. … I’d rather prioritize Hardy’s development than take a chance on Walker.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dallas Mavericks To Sign Kemba Walker Amid 4-Game Losing Streak
Hardy is playing very well for the Texas Legends this season. He is currently averaging 27.9 points per game on a .561/.475/.917 shooting split to go along with 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. The scout is correct when stating that Hardy’s development should be prioritized as the Mavericks are lacking high-upside, long-term building blocks.
There is a chance that Jaden Hardy is given a chance to play despite Walker being signed. The veteran is likely nothing more than an insurance policy, someone that can step into the game for spot minutes to jump-start the offense.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dallas Mavericks To Sign Kemba Walker Amid 4-Game Losing Streak
The G League Ignite alum could carve out a long-term role that the team is still looking to fill with Jalen Brunson departing in free agency this past summer.
