1. Kemba Walker
For someone who is from New York and grew up and Knicks fan, it’s insane to see Kemba Walker thrown to the side like he’s been. Walker joined the Knicks with the mentality that he would be one of their main scoring options and one of their leaders.
It wasn’t long before he was benched for not playing hard on defense. It’s not a secret that defense is a non-negotiable when it comes to Tom Thibodeau teams. If the rest of the Knicks team was doing their best ’96 Bulls impression on defense, there wouldn’t be reason to bat an eye — but that’s not the case. The Knicks are a mid-level defense team and bottom-10 offensive team.
Since they aren’t stopping teams from scoring, they could’ve at least looked to better their offense. Walker definitely can help in that aspect as a scorer and facilitator. Instead, he’s been sent home for the remainder of the season, and it’s obvious he’ll be gone before the start of next season.
As a former All-Star and All-NBA selection, who he is a basketball player isn’t a question. Walker is a gifted ball-handler who can hit 3-pointers at a high rate. The Bulls would immediately have an upgrade in their role player scoring department … if Walker is willing to take a back seat to their current main options.
Acquiring Walker would mean getting rid of a couple of role players off that bench, but it’d be worth it if he’s open to filling a specific role. All of the problems the Bulls are experiencing with their role guys might away with the addition of Walker, assuming he’s healthy and capable.
Those times without DeRozan and LaVine on the court won’t be so scary because Walker can manufacture a bucket and give others open looks. The tough stretches during a game won’t hit as hard because he’s a vet who can talk the young guys through such moments. Most importantly, teams won’t be able to double off of him, giving the stars more spacing in crunch time.
Walker will be available and will be worth it for the Bulls.