Home NBA Kemba Walker uncertain on future, keeping heads high amid Knicks rotation absence

Kemba Walker uncertain on future, keeping heads high amid Knicks rotation absence

Kemba Walker joining the New York Knicks this season didn’t go well as planned. 

Now, four games since the former star point guard was removed of the rotation and was replaced by Alec Burks in the playmaking spot of the starters, he finally spoke about his feelings on the tough break he had. 

In an interview with the New York Post, Walker revealed that it was a difficult situation to be part of, but he is respecting the adjustment that head coach Tom Thibodeau made. 

“It was tough, obviously, because as a competitor, I love to play basketball,” Walker said Monday. “I love to be on the court. This is the first time this has happened to me in my career, pretty much on any level. But at the end of the day, I have respect for coach Thibs and the decision he made. It might not have been an easy one, but it was a choice he made. I have no choice but to live with it.

“I’ve always been a team guy first. It’s not about me, it’s about the team. So if he feels that’s what’s going to make the team better, then so be it. I’m just going to be here for my teammates. I’m here to help in any way, shape or form that I can.”

Walker, 31, has signed a two-year, $18 million offer sheet with the Knicks last offseason, who are off to an uplifting 2020-2021 campaign. He is averaging 11.7 points and 3.1 assists, on 42.9 percent shooting clip, on 18 occasions. 

Walker, meanwhile, openly admitted that he is uncertain of what lies ahead for him and if he’ll ever return to the lineup.

“Adversity hits everyone at some point in your life and career. It’s all about how you go through it,” said Walker. “I’m not going to let anything break me or bring me down.”

But the hometown kid has maintained his position to be professional and supportive for his teammates — saying that he is always ready to cheer for them.

“I could be pissed. I could be upset,” Walker said. “But at the end of the day, there’s some young guys here who look up to me. I’m pretty sure they wanted to see how I reacted to the situation. Anybody on my team down the line can be in the same situation. Maybe I can be a role model in that aspect.

“I love being around my teammates. I’m going to cheer them on until I can’t anymore. That’s what it’s about.”

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