Knicks have removed Kemba Walker from starting lineup, rotation
Former All-Star point guard Kemba Walker has struggled to find his footing in his first campaign with the New York Knicks.
Walker is working his way back into form after nagging knee issues. However, his shortcomings have pushed head coach Tom Thibodeau to take him out of the rotation for the time being.
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“It’s a tough decision to make, but you always have to do what you think is best for the team,” Thibodeau said after practice Monday in explaining his decision via ESPN. “I view Kemba as a starter, and so it’d be tough to play three small guards together. I gave it consideration, and I’ve got great respect for who Kemba is as a person and all he’s accomplished in this league.
“But I have to do what I think is best for the team.”
The 31-year-old is going through a career-worst campaign as he’s averaging career-low numbers with 11.1 points, 3.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 24.5 minutes per contest. Walker hasn’t played with any consistency, which has led Thibodeau to head that route with him.
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It isn’t to suggest that Walker can’t work his way back into the rotation, but more so that he will have to prove in practice that he deserves playing time. Until then, the Knicks will roll with Alec Burks taking up his spot.
Walker joined New York last offseason after a buyout from the Oklahoma City Thunder following a trade from the Boston Celtics. He’s in the first year of a two-year, $20 million deal.
