Kemba Walker's first stint as a free agent is probably one of the most notable turning points in his NBA career. After playing in Charlotte for his first eight years in the league, the 6-foot-1 guard joined the Boston Celtics last summer.
It’s no doubt that his new franchise is a stronger and fiercer contender for the title than Charlotte, but it turns Walker wasn't just eyeing Boston as a potential destination.
On The Ringer’s R2C2 podcast, Walker opened up on nearly signing with the Knicks:
“Yes. Very serious. Very,” he said.” Before Boston came along the Knicks were one of my top priorities because I was thinking they were going to get another player. But it didn't work out.”
Was there ever a chance @KembaWalker would play for the Knicks?
Yes! He explains what happened to @CC_Sabathia and @RyanRuocco on the @R2C2 podcast. pic.twitter.com/U82fUFFul4
— The Ringer (@ringer) August 6, 2020
New York is definitely a “basketball town,” as podcast host CC Sabathia said. Furthermore, Walker grew up in The Bronx and loves the place. He talked about it fondly in a 2018 Bleacher Report article on his free agency:
“That's where I'm from,” Walker said of New York. “That's the reason why I'm here. The reason why I am who I am. The reason why I work the way I work. The reason why I have the passion for this game is because of where I'm from. Being from New York made me tough, made me fearless—just playing with a lot of the older guys.”
The 6-foot-1 guard has to be happy with his decision to join the Celtics, though. Walker made the All-Star Game earlier this year and is part of a team that's currently third in the Eastern Conference. While he has dealt with some troublesome knee issues this season, he's ramping back up in the bubble and is ready to lead Boston on a deep playoff run.
As for the Knicks, this is just more salt in their wounds. They've come so close to acquiring stars in recent years, only to fall short.
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