Kemba Walker’s once happy homecoming is over.
The Knicks announced Wednesday that the veteran point guard and the Knicks have agreed to shut down the four-time All-Star for the rest of the season, so the New York native can prepare for next season.
Walker signed a two-year deal with the Knicks after he agreed to a buyout with the Thunder, but he has struggled since returning from a knee injury, shooting just 36 percent from the floor over his last 12 games, and just 23 percent from beyond the arc.
“We fully support Kemba’s decision to shut it down for the remainder of the season and to use this time to prepare for next season,” team president Leon Rose said in a statement. “His long-term success on the court remains our priority.”
Walker also was benched by head coach Tom Thibodeau for nine games earlier in the season, removed from the rotation completely in a move that Walker said Thibodeau did not speak to him about. When asked about the benching, Walker said, “I hate it…I know I should be playing.”
With Walker on an expiring deal after this season, the team can try to find a suitable trade partner in the offseason. It likely won’t bring back much in return, as Walker has been declining in recent years due to injuries and age. But his return to his home city to play for the Knicks did not go the way he had hoped.
Looking forward, Derrick Rose is still out with an ankle injury, but according to reports, the veteran could be making his return shortly after the All-Star break, which would be a big boost for a Knicks team that has sorely missed Rose for the past two months. Otherwise, Alec Burks has struggled when asked to handle point guard duties, while Immanuel Quickley’s shooting has been erratic nearly all season, so Walker’s shutdown could open the door for rookie Miles McBride to see some playing time.
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