NBA: 5 players set up for success in 2021-22
By Kyle McKee
NBA players set up for success in 2021-22: Kemba Walker, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks filled their hole at point guard by trading for the Bronx born and raised Kemba Walker. Despite his decent numbers with the Celtics, Walker disappointed Boston fans with his play. He was clearly not the same player he was in Charlotte and he missed some serious time due to injuries for the first time in his career. As a 31-year-old, 6-foot guard in the NBA, you probably think I’m crazy to expect him to return to his Charlotte form. Well, to that I would say you’re right I am crazy.
In all seriousness, in New York, there’s as much pressure as there was for him to produce in Boston. I know that’s probably crazy to read too. No Pressure in New York? Well, hear me out. When Kemba joined Boston there were serious championship expectations. The two seasons prior the C’s made it to at least the second round, and even came one game away from making the Finals back in 2018. There was a lot of pressure on Kemba to fill the void that Kyrie Irving left.
As we know now, Kemba wasn’t able to fill that void. But it wasn’t entirely his fault. Brad Stevens and the Celtics coaching staff were never able to incorporate a system that utilized their three best players – Tatum, Walker and Jaylen Brown – to the best of their abilities. For the most part, it felt like each of them were taking turns going iso each time down. That won’t be in the case in New York
In New York, he has no shoes to fill. If he just puts up the numbers he did last season – 19.3 points, 4.9 assists, and four rebounds per game – he would be the best point guard the Knicks have had in years. I think the NYC homegrown kid is ready to re-establish himself as one of the top point guards in the NBA.
The big question is, like Anthony Davis, can Walker stay healthy. History is against his side, as guards 6-foot and under have struggled mightily after turning 30 years old. Even with that knowledge though, I’m betting on Kemba having a bounce-back year and even making his fifth all-star appearance.