Walker Struggling to Find Role in NY
The Story: Even though his return to New York seemed like a match made in heaven, Kemba Walker is still adjusting to playing for the Knicks — especially late in games.
STARTING, NOT CLOSING: Walker has played just 6:51 in the fourth quarter during the Knicks’ first three games even though he started each of them. Coach Tom Thibodeau has preferred to have Derrick Rose run the point late.
• Walker played that 6:51 in the fourth quarter of the season-opening win over the Celtics. He played all five minutes of the first overtime in that game but not at all in the second overtime.
• He was also on the bench for the fourth quarter of the road win against the Magic on Friday and again for the home win against them on Sunday.
• Walker’s averages of 10.3 points and 2.3 assists in 25.7 minutes per game are all career lows, and yes, we know it has only been three games.
• “Like our team, he’s had some good moments, and there’s been some moments of not being as good as he can play,” Thibodeau said. “But our team, we get in a situation like (Sunday against Orlando), you’re searching. I was searching for guys who could give us a shot. I thought the group we ended up closing with gave us our best shot.”
ROCKY HOMECOMING? Walker was traded by the Celtics to the Thunder in June after one of the least productive seasons of his career — one in which he was also hampered by a variety of injuries.
• Walker’s contract was bought out by the Thunder in August and he subsequently landed with the Knicks. It was made apparent shortly thereafter that he would be their starting point guard, but it’s clear that whatever MSG magic he has hoped to recapture is still fleeting.
Morning Reads
• After becoming the first freshman to be named the national player of the year, Paige Bueckers‘ name is starting to show up on preseason watch lists again. (Hartford Courant)
• Christyn Williams is hoping to wrap up her time in college with one more phenomenal season — and perhaps a national championship. (Hearst Connecticut Media)
• It’s been almost two years since Isuneh Brady committed to play for Geno Auriemma, and the forward from San Diego is looking forward to signing her letter of intent next month. (Hartford Courant)
• The men’s soccer team’s game against Rutgers, which was scheduled for tonight, has been pushed back to tomorrow because of concerns over the weather. (UConnHuskies.com)
