Many Boston Celtics fans expected Kemba Walker to have similar defensive deficiencies as Kyrie Irving as a point guard for the Boston Celtics, yet that has simply not been the case. After shaking off a hideous 12-point debut, Walker has racked up four steals and two blocked shots in the last two games, all while being a much better defender than fans expected. Teammate Jaylen Brown, who played with Walker as members of Team USA this past summer, is not surprised by it at all.
“Has it surprised me? No. Do I want him to keep it up? Yes,” said Brown, according to Brian Robb of The Boston Sports Journal. “I think if Kemba is really good defensively we are going to be a really good team.”
Walker does have some deficiencies as a defender — for one his height at 6-foot makes him one of the shortest point guards in the game, which could give him trouble with bigger, more muscular players at the position. Yet his speed and shiftiness makes him a great asset in terms of steals, loose balls, and transitioning into a fast break, which are all opportunities the Celtics are hoping he takes advantage of.
The Celtics won't make a Cerberus out of Walker like a Marcus Smart of sorts, but they do need him to hold his own on defense to fortify their lineup. The loss of an admiral like Al Horford represents a hit on their communication, which will take time to adjust, as well as a few games under their belt.
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