The clock has struck midnight on Kemba Walker’s homecoming — for this season and maybe altogether.
The Knicks and the veteran level guard, simply six months faraway from a ballyhooed press convention to rejoice his signing, have agreed that he'll sit out the remainder of this season to begin making ready for subsequent season. The place the 31-year-old with a balky knee will play his subsequent sport may be very a lot up within the air, however it’s exhausting to determine it is going to be in New York after the choice, which was introduced Wednesday.
“We knew there was threat concerned [signing Walker],” coach Tom Thibodeau stated after follow. “We thought it was value it. There have been some good moments. If he’s wholesome, he’s good. So, that’s about it.”
Walker, the Bronx native who signed a two-year, $18 million contract final summer season, was a candidate to be traded earlier than the deadline, however the Knicks didn't discover a deal to their liking. A buyout additionally appeared attainable following the deadline, however with this association, Walker is anticipated to be again on the commerce market this summer season.
“We absolutely help Kemba’s determination to close it down for the rest of the season and to make use of this time to arrange for subsequent season,” Knicks president Leon Rose stated in a press release. “His long-term success on the courtroom stays our precedence.”
Thibodeau, who deferred most of the questions in regards to the determination to conversations between Rose and Walker’s agent, had benched Walker earlier this season. He took the four-time All-Star out of the beginning lineup and rotation altogether for 9 straight video games till accidents opened the door for his return on Dec. 18. After a strong stretch of play, Walker then sat out one other string of video games to are inclined to his nagging knee.
General, he averaged 11.6 factors, 3.5 assists and three rebounds in 25.6 minutes per sport whereas taking pictures 40.3 p.c from the sector and 36.7 p.c from deep.
Walker arrived in New York recent off being purchased out by the Thunder, after the Celtics had shipped him out of city following an injury-plagued tenure in Boston. However his homecoming, which was initially met with good emotions throughout, has since become a nightmare for Walker and the Knicks, who're popping out of the All-Star break with a 25-34 document.
Thibodeau stated he didn't know whether or not Walker can be across the staff the remainder of the season, however he was not at follow Wednesday.
“I believe that simply because one thing didn’t go as deliberate doesn’t imply that it’s not a good suggestion,” RJ Barrett stated. “We play exhausting it doesn't matter what, regardless of who’s on the market on the courtroom, regardless of who fits up for us. So long as you’re a Knick, it’s part of our brotherhood and we’re attempting to win with no matter we received.”
With Walker out of the image, the Knicks might flip to a couple choices for his or her start line guard. Derrick Rose practiced absolutely Wednesday for the primary time since present process ankle surgical procedure in December, however when requested whether or not the veteran would slide proper into the beginning lineup when he's prepared, Thibodeau was noncommittal.
“We’ll see,” Thibodeau stated. “I believe simply trying, digging into the numbers and stuff, Alec [Burks] has been our greatest choice to date.”
Burks, a pure wing, began at level guard for a lot of the video games Walker missed.
Thibodeau additionally talked about Immanuel Quickley, who went by way of a tough taking pictures stoop earlier than the All-Star break, whereas noting rookie taking pictures guard Quentin Grimes can play and guard a number of positions. The Knicks might additionally give extra minutes to rookie Miles McBride, although he has performed in simply 21 video games this season.
“We see Julius [Randle] as a degree ahead and RJ is dealing with the ball much more,” Thibodeau stated. “So regardless of the strengths of the staff are, you need to play to these strengths. Derrick was at all times an influence level guard and he performed with the ball and off the ball. I believe we see that with Alec. Alec can play three positions. So that you like versatility.”
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