Just when it seemed like free agency had slowed to a crawl, the Knicks unleashed a firestorm with the planned signing of Kemba Walker — four-time All-Star and native New Yorker.
The diminutive clutch scorer is coming off an injury-riddled season, but still put up averages of nearly 20 points and five assists a night, giving the Knicks arguably their best point guard of the last 15 years.
This development was unexpected, to say the least. New York’s roster appeared near-complete, with just an additional point guard left to sign so Derrick Rose wouldn’t be burdened by 30-plus minutes per night. The names rumored weren’t breathtaking: Dennis Schroder, Reggie Jackson, maybe an Elfrid Payton return.
Most assumed Walker wouldn’t remain with the Oklahoma City Thunder after the Boston Celtics sent them a pick just to dump his contract, but he wasn’t linked to the Knicks due to that contract and the fact that they would have to trade for him. But nobody expected the Thunder to waive Walker, and for the Knicks to subsequently sign him to a deal worth roughly $8 million per season.
Few acquisitions could trigger the pure jubilation Knicks fans experienced reacting to this news. Outside of Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Conley, nobody in this free agent class offered established All-Star production from the one spot. The trade market clearly didn’t provide the Knicks a real opportunity. After the moves on day one, it seemed the Knicks would run it back with a duct taped point guard rotation.
Now they have their All-Star addition, and Walker has his home. It truly is a match made in heaven, which is what makes this signing special.
The best point guard New York employed these past 10 years was Raymond Felton, or 20 games of Jeremy Lin, depending on your preference. Stars continually rejected being the Knicks’ savior offseason after offseason.
Then last season happened, and Knicks fans were treated to a homegrown, underdog story that captivated the city’s hoopheads. Outside blood, though needed, could diminish some of that authenticity and grittiness.
Not with Walker.
He grew up in the Bronx, and has maintained a close relationship with his borough and city. He’s spoken about the magic of New York City and Madison Square Garden numerous times. This is where he wanted to end up, and he has something to prove now that he’s here.
Walker’s career since signing with the Celtics has been rocky. He played 56 out of 72 games in year one, helping his team to the Eastern Conference Finals in the Bubble, where they lost to the MIami Heat. This past season, injuries clung to Walker again, forcing him to sit out nearly half of the year. Seven consecutive games were the most he could string together, and he got traded this offseason.
Both sides are betting on a big bounceback season from Walker. His contract and injuries may have shed some negative light on what he brings to the table, but there’s overwhelmingly more to be optimistic about, especially considering how unique this year was.
Walker made four consecutive All-Star games prior to last season, averaging 23.1 points and 5.5 assists a night in that span. His three-point shot evolved into a serious threat — over eight attempts a game with a clip of 37.8 percent. Tom Thibodeau loves point guards who can drive, and there’s nothing Walker does better than using his speed, shiftiness and handle to find a seam.
In Charlotte, Walker had to be the No. 1 guy for eight seasons, only getting to sniff the postseason twice — both first-round exits. In Boston, Walker slid all the way down to the third option behind their two young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Now, he finds a nice middle ground where the pressure isn’t all on him but he’s still a key focal point.
Knicks fans spent all summer waiting for a big splash, while Leon Rose and Co. moved in silence to make it happen. The Knicks didn’t just add talent, they added their talent — talent that always wanted to be here — and did it on budget.
Now we wait for it to pay dividends.
It could be a real postseason run, or just one amazing game-winning, buzzer-beating step-back jumper from Cardiac Kemba wearing the blue and orange at MSG. Either works.