Well, it's official. The Kemba Walker Experiment is over for the New York Knicks. It was announced that both parties agreed to shut down Walker for the rest of the season.
Many praised the Knicks' signing of Walker in the offseason, as the four-time All-Star was expected to bring firepower at the point guard position, something the team sorely lacked last season. But after what has been a topsy-turvy stint, to say the least, Walker will remain on the sidelines for the rest of the campaign.
In a statement, as cited by ESPN, Knicks president of basketball operations Leon Rose explained the decision.
“We fully support Kemba's decision to shut it down for the remainder of the season and use this time to prepare for next season. His long-term success on the court remains our priority.”
At face value, Rose made it sound like it was Walker's choice to sit out the rest of the season. But it's no secret that Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau isn't too fond of the 31-year-old playmaker, even giving him a string of DNPs at one stretch.
Rose also claimed they're focused on Walker's long-term success, but not playing him seems counterintuitive to that. While it's difficult to theorize, perhaps there's something deeper behind this latest flop involving the Knicks. It's worth noting that while his health isn't at an optimal level, Walker isn't severely injured.
Walker only played 37 games for the Knicks, putting up career-low averages of 25.6 minutes, 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest.
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