Knicks guard Kemba Walker turned in a vintage performance Saturday night as his exile to the bench finally ended, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Appearing in a game for the first time in more than three weeks, Walker delivered 29 points and kept his team competitive all the way to the end in a loss at Boston.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Walker didn’t criticize coach Tom Thibodeau or express a desire to get out of New York, but he made it clear that he’s not satisfied with the current situation.
“I know I should be playing, so no question. It feels great,” he said. “But whatever situation I’m in, I’m gonna stay locked in, stay prepared. Whatever the team needs from me, I’ll be there for them.”
In late November, Thibodeau pulled Walker from the starting lineup in favor of Alec Burks, who provides more size and a better defensive presence at point guard. But with Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley already coming off the bench, there were no minutes available for Walker.
Thibodeau had little choice Saturday night as the Knicks were missing nine players due to injuries and COVID-19. Walker returned to the starting lineup and logged 37 minutes in his first game back in Boston since being traded over the summer.
“It’s a tough decision to make, but you always have to do what you think is best for the team,” Thibodeau said before the game. “I view Kemba as a starter, and so it’d be tough to play three small guards together. I gave it consideration, and I’ve got great respect for who Kemba is as a person and all he’s accomplished in this league. But I have to do what I think is best for the team.”
Walker said his coach hasn’t directly explained the reason for the benching and hasn’t talked to him in several weeks. He credited associate head coach Johnnie Bryant for working with him during that time and keeping him ready to play.
The Knicks will be shorthanded for a few more games, so Walker’s return to the lineup should continue. Beyond that, his future in New York appears uncertain.
“I’ve had a great career thus far, and a lot of things went my way,” he said. “It’s a tough time right now, so it’s really about just showing my character, showing who I really am. I’m so mentally tough, I feel like I’m built for any situation, and I’m going to handle it the best I can. … Just try to be unbreakable and continue to put my work in and just stay ready for anything that comes my way.”
As soon as a player says coach has not talked to me about x then depending on the player, either coach or player leaves.
He sure is good when he gets several weeks rest between games. Maybe the Knicks should do the “road game only” approach with Kemba?
It’s not a bad idea. Maybe play him twice a week at most.
Simmons for Walker
Disenchanted for Disenchanted
Maybe 3 team trade with houston and Wall.
which team do you suppose wants Wall in that proposal?
Wall is a good motivation to either Knicks or Sixers that they would be better off with any trade proposal that doesn’t deliver Wall to them.
Kemba Walker and John Wall are basically the same person. They even both have ‘Wal’! No one wants them. Prediction: Walker buys out and signs with Nets. Wall buys out and signs with Nuggets. Both one year, vets minimum. They both go to good teams who are missing a lot of players to try and rebuild their value.
Knicks would need to find a lot more salary to include for either Simmons or Wall.
Kemba has to prove he can stay healthy and consistent
Does he in Spain or something?
Wait Thibs didn’t even tell him in person the rationale? Red flag if I ever saw one, wow
There is no way Kemba hasn’t had discussions with Thibs or his assistants about playing time
There’s more than a few posters here. Who like to trash a player. Simply cause he doesn’t play up to their standards. Without ever considering the standards the player has to put up with.
We all know and knew. That Defense was where Kemba would have the most difficulty. But we were one of best defensive teams in NBA. Unfortunately not his yr. So of course only Kemba sticks out to these folks.
The +/- of a player. Is not an exact science. Cause it doesn’t take into account the other 4 players playing with you. And we always forget that B-ball is a TEAM game.
So show some respect for yourselves. And acknowledge the guy can Ball. He may not be a fit for the Knicks. But that’s not all his fault this year. Considering they are 2-7 without him. Knicks team D is the most significant reason we are as bad as we are. Not Kemba not fitting in. That’s on Thibs.
I’m sure you haters know plenty of players who are done. And can still put up 29 on Celtics.
It’s always easier to critique than to admonish a player.
Kemba – 29 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast, 37 mins
Fournier – 32 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 43 mins
Why hate when you can appreciate ….
Love Kemba since his UCON days. Personally I think Thibs has failed him. But the truth for me is. I believe he might be better in a D Rose type roll. He can stay stronger and healthier. With limited mins. Therefore more productive. This has resurrected Rose’s career. It can also work for Kemba. Unfortunately not on Knicks since we already have Rose.
What I would want. Is to find a starting PG. To get the ball OUT of Randles hands. Don’t know if we can do that this year. But I wish and pray. Thibs would give McBride the job. Rose and Quickley can back him up.
Please Thibs give the rookie the ball. He’s the best 2way guard you got. And he’s a true PG
Couldn’t agree with you more. Duece is a true point guard and honestly if he got starters minute’s I could see him in the conversation with Mobley for Rookie of the year. This kid is going be e a beast with his all around game. We might have a mini Gary Payton on our hand. That Duece IQ Grimes Toppin line up will be force to be reckoned with in a few years. And did you see the tweet from Jamal Crawford during the Knicks Celtic’s game it was a subtle jab at Thibs. The Kemba demotion reminds me of the Phil Jackson disrespect of Melo who with all his flaws was the one superstar that wanted to be in NY unlike these other imposter’s who use us to up the ante with other teams. The honeymoon is over for Leon and Thibs.
I’m happy that Kemba had the offensive game he did, but it didn’t come as a surprise to me (he’s been quite good offensively from the start of the season), nor is it evidence of that the decision to remove him from the rotation wasn’t the right one (because it had nothing to do with his offense). IMO, Thibs was right to bench him, and what happened last night actually shows why.
I’m also very glad that Thibs gave McBride his chance at real minutes before going back to Walker. Thibs’ affinity (and mine) for McBride aside, McBride EARNED the opportunity more than Kemba did. I’m happy we have one of the few coaches in the league where that matters.
Kemba is NOT done, never was. Even if he can’t give more defensively (which is hard to believe), he can still be VERY effective as an instant offense guy off the bench and, depending on matchups, potential closer. Knicks might not be the best fit, largely because we have Rose and the way we prefer to defend. But I certainly would NOT buy him out or trade him unless he asks. He’s got another year and half at a very team friendly number for his skill set.
Kemba move shows a complete disconnect between Rose and Thibs. Everyone knows Kemba is a revolving door on defense. Fournier has never been a defensive stalwart either. So if you’re a Knicks fan, Rose has failed you.
I can’t fully disagree that the 21-22 Knicks don’t fit a “Thibs” team, but honestly, the Knicks were 25-27 last year before a hit 16-4 finish. Take away those 20 games and you have a lot more realistic expectations this year.
I am a big Knicks fan, but I can be objective. They gave up a lot of defence (Payton, Bullock, Frank) for more scoring. Instead of getting that scoring through 3 and D guys, they went solely for buckets. Frank, and Payton were both switchable defenders, something the Knicks don’t have this year. Unsurprisingly, Randle’s efficiency has come back down to earth, and there is not another player on the club that has All-Star potential.
A .500 record with this roster would be a good finish. It would put them in the play-in, which is likely where they should have been last year minus the hot streak at the end. They need at least one switchable defender, a true 3 and D guy along with a better facilitator/defending PG to be a real threat to make the top six. There are guys out there that should become available, like Hart (NOP), Covington (POR), Henrich (OKC), etc. It takes two to tango obviously, but grabbing a couple of guys like that could help at least level the ship this year.
NYK dont really have a whole lot to offer in a trade tho. Every contender is going to be in on any 3 and D guy.
They’re more likely to find lesser shooters available. Thad Young, Melton and Kyle Anderson.
Honestly I think the way Kemba situation played out Thibs did the same thing Phil Jackson did to Melo.Was Kemba bad on defense yes he was and so is alot other Knicks line Fournier was stinking up the joint as well and he should have been benched as well but Leon doesn’t want to look pulling the plug on his big free agent signing when he couldn’t even get a cup of coffee with the real NBA talent that would have moved the needle more than these two guys. And speaking of Leon when is he going address the Knicks fans. He is quiet as a church mouse on Sunday and you will hear more from a guy with duck tape around his mouth than you willhesr from Leon. The honeymoon is over for Leon and coach Thibs and Jamal Crawford tweeted during the Knicks vs Celtics that some coaches think they in capital letters are bigger than the team or Know more about a player. It was a subtle dig at Thibs for his utter disrespect of Kemba who is well liked around the league. They say Thibs did the same thing to Jamal Crawford in his stint with Minnesota. Thibs will be a Deadman walking soon because of his stubbornness and his nauseating offense that is as predictable as a walk in the park for defense’s