With the Knicks still shorthanded heading into Tuesday night's game against the Pistons, and Derrick Rose still questionable with a sore ankle, Kemba Walker could see some game action for the second game in a row.
The veteran point guard certainly made the most of his opportunity in the Knicks' last game on Saturday night, dropping 29 points in a close loss in Boston in what was Walker's first time on the floor since he was exiled from the rotation in late November.
Walker didn't hold back his frustrations about being benched following his breakout in Beantown, and head coach Tom Thibodeau didn't sound surprised that Walker publicly said he "hated" being on the bench and believed he could still play and make an impact.
"That's who he is. I have an appreciation for that," Thibodeau said. "With all players, there's gonna be frustrations. I've got great respect for Kemba."
Walker also said that he and Thibodeau haven't spoken one-on-one since he was removed from the starting lineup and the rotation altogether, leading to 10 straight games on the bench (the first was for rest following the second half of a back-to-back). Thibodeau didn't directly confirm that when asked about it at Monday's practice, but didn't leave much doubt that communication between the two has been minimal of late.
"I talk to the team every day, and I talk to every player appropriately," Thibodeau said. "That's what a head coach's job is. I have an appreciation for frustration. He's an accomplished player. I have to do what I think is best for the team. That's how I'm going to make my decisions."
New York was 2-7 since Walker's benching, which could resume once the team gets back to full strength. But Walker showed some value on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see how he is utilized, if at all, moving forward.
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