Kemba Walker’s New York homecoming appears to be over, for this season at the very least, bringing an end to a once promising team-up between the four-time All-Star and his home city.
When Walker signed a two-year deal after a buyout with the Thunder, Knicks fans hoped he would bring Madison Square Garden to hysterics like he did in his college days with UConn in the Big East Tournament. Instead, knee troubles, an extended exile from the rotation and glaring defensive struggles led the veteran point guard to elect to spend the rest of the season getting ready for next year.
“He decided he wanted to shut it down to prepare for next season, and we support that,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We’ll see.”
Thibodeau and Walker’s relationship seemed to be unclear, as Walker wasn’t shy in expressing his frustration and his belief that he should be on the court while Thibodeau sat him for nine straight games back in December. Walker, after saying Thibodeau never spoke with him about the benching decision, returned due to injuries and COVID-19 cases and was on fire for his first three games back, averaging 31.3 points per game, but that was followed up by knee soreness, and he averaged just 8.1 points per game while shooting 37 percent from the floor in the 13 games since.
“We knew there was risk involved, and we thought it was worth it,” Thibodeau said. “There were some good moments. If he’s healthy, he’s good. That’s about it.”
The health factor was a known risk when he signed, and it will be a risk for anyone who may decide to make a trade offer to the Knicks, who will almost certainly look to trade Walker during the offseason, as he will still have a year left on his contract. For now, he remains a Knick, though Thibodeau isn’t sure if he will continue to practice or travel with the team. He wasn’t at practice on Wednesday.
“I don’t know what the specifics are,” Thibodeau said. “That was discussed between Leon [Rose] and Kemba’s agent.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch