Last week New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau decided to permanently remove Kemba Walker from the team’s rotation.
It was a stunning move, given that Walker was believed to be a significant piece of the Knicks’ puzzle this year as they attempted to build on last season’s success.
In the days since, Walker’s name has been floated in a blockbuster trade proposal – but nothing has officially materialized thus far.
This week Walker finally got brutally honest about his benching and how he feels about it.
“I could be pissed, but at the end of the day there are some young guys here who look up to me. Maybe I can be a role model. I love being around my teammates and I’m going to cheer them on until I can’t anymore.”
– Kemba Walker pic.twitter.com/KmC5ibBKzG
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 6, 2021
Kemba Walker on being out of the rotation:
“It was tough because I’m a competitor. But I’ve always been a team guy first. If he feels it’s going to make the team better, so be it.” pic.twitter.com/GkEHj5UHwU
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 6, 2021
“I could be pissed, but at the end of the day there are some young guys here who look up to me,” he said. “Maybe I can be a role model. I love being around my teammates and I’m going to cheer them on until I can’t anymore.”
Walker originally joined the Knicks this past summer on a two-year, $20 million deal. Prior to getting benched he averaged a career-low 11.1 points, 3.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.
In a way, Walker’s benching became something of an inevitability after his average dipped to 10 points per game on 39 percent shooting from the field and 29 percent shooting from beyond the arc in November.
Mac Jones’ girlfriend reacts to his 2-of-3, 19-yard performance.https://t.co/9J5iJK2bfo
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 7, 2021
The 11-12 Knicks are clearly in scramble mode right now. Whatever they are currently doing definitely isn’t working.
Will sitting Walker ultimately pump some life back into this squad? Time will tell.
Related: Kings Preparing For Blockbuster De’Aaron Fox Trade?
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
