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New York Knicks fans were shocked when Tom Thibodeau announced that former All-Star guard Kemba Walker would be benched. While Walker, the team's marquee signing, wasn't performing well, it didn't feel like he warranted a benching. After backup guard Derrick Rose went down with an injury, though, Thibs had no choice but to play Kemba again.
In response, Walker put on a magnificent string of games, culminating in a 44-point explosion against the Washington Wizards in a home loss. After the game, Thibodeau reacted to the Knicks guard's stellar performance. (via Alan Hahn)
“Performance matters. If you're playing well, you're gonna be in there. That's the way it works. I love Kemba. But I've got to do what's best for the team. So he's playing great basketball. All credit in the world to him. But the team winning is the most important thing.”
Thibodeau is partly right: despite Kemba's string of amazing games, the Knicks haven't been winning a lot. They sit at a lowly 14 – 18 record and the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite seemingly upgrading at key positions with quality signings like Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker, Tom Thibodeau's team has regressed. Star forward Julius Randle has been struggling as well, and he's been vocal about the team's struggles.
“We’ve got to look ourselves in the mirror and decide what we want this season to be. I know what I want it to be. I know what the guys want it to be, but we’ve got to commit to it.”
If Walker can find some sort of consistency in his play this season, the Knicks have a chance of turning this season around. Despite their struggles, the team is just 4 games below .500. A few strong wins will help this team regain its confidence, as it looks to go back to the playoffs once again.
