Leading up to the start of the season, Kemba Walker made clear one of the biggest changes for him was the fact he didn't have to do everything anymore. Going from a team like the Hornets to the Celtics can have that impact on anyone.
Still, through the first few games, Walker has tried to do a lot. Though not necessarily the things he typically does. As a result, he's changed his approach on the floor. He does a good job of getting others involved, but Walker is still a scorer — his 32-point performance in Saturday's 118-95 win over the Knicks serving as evidence. (For a complete recap of the Celtics' win, click here.)
That SWEET no-look pass from Kemba -- pic.twitter.com/mJHmr8p1Pf
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 27, 2019He was deviating from what comes naturally. Even though he was creating open looks for himself, Walker wasn't fully in attack mode. He was thinking too much.
"Finding a little bit of rhythm, just getting more comfortable with the offense, my team," Walker said on NBC Sports Boston's broadcast when explaining why things are starting to click. "Taking the right shots, not thinking as much as I was in the last couple games."
Kemba Walker going off at @TheGarden? Not a surprise.Here's what he had to say to @tvabby after the win pic.twitter.com/JsTzAVLjVU
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 27, 2019Now, Kyrie Irving was a score-first point guard, too. Obviously, there was a lot else going on and things didn't translate. The difference between Walker and others looking for their offense first is he encourages others to do the same.
Which is exactly why Walker needs to stick to what he does best. His teammates will find their offense in the course of the game. Clearly, there are plenty of shots to go around.
But if Walker isn't constantly in attack mode like he was in the second half against the Knicks, the Celtics are going to run into trouble when they face tougher opponents — like the one they have on Wednesday.
"He got comfortable at the end of the last two games," Brad Stevens told reporters. "But you can tell when he puts the ball to the floor how quick and tight that pickup is. And when he gets into his shot and he has a little extra pop, he doesn't miss many of those."
For more Celtics and basketball coverage, be sure to subscribe to WEEI's 5 Out podcast. The podcast is available on RADIO.COM, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify.
