Kemba Walker still has something left in the tank, but will it be with the Knicks?

Kemba Walker is proving that he still has something left in the tank; can the New York Knicks make it work? 

Even though it was somewhat surprising that New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau decided to bench Kemba Walker a few weeks ago, there was some advanced statistical evidence that supports the move.

However, after COVID-19 and injuries decimated the Knicks, Thibs found himself with no other move but to bring Kemba back into the rotation. Since the move, the Knicks are only 1-2 – though they are still without key players. Though, Kemba has been impressive and productive.

In those three games, Kemba is averaging 31 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on 44 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range. There’s no question that he’s been productive during his time as a contributor – overall this season, Kemba is averaging 15 points and three assists on 43 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range.

The conundrum that faces the Knicks is the fact that he’s been so productive offensively while being such a net negative on the defensive end. He’s been a productive player but not one that, clearly, Thibs finds much value in.

Quite frankly, through three games since returning to the rotation, that has continued to be evident. Even in these three games, while Kemba has been a standout, the Knicks are still losing games.

The best-case scenario is that there’s a team out there that is watching Kemba going off thinking that he’d fit a role for them. There’s no evidence of that just yet, but it will be interesting to see what Thibs decides to do when New York is back at full strength.

If nothing else, it’s clear that Kemba, through the first part of the 2021-22 NBA season, has proven that he still has something left in the tank. It remains to be seen if that will continue to be the case with the Knicks or with another team.