Ranking the top 50 NBA players of next season: 40-31

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 28: Jaylen Brown #7 and Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics talk during a game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on December 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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35. Kemba Walker

Admittedly, Kemba Walker was higher on this list before the news came out regarding the stem cell injection in his knee leading him to being out at the beginning of the season. When healthy he is still an All-Star but his knees are deteriorating at an alarming rate. This season may be the one where the window closes on him as a competitor at this level.

If he is able to return to form when he is back on the court, however, Walker is still an elite playmaker in this league. His handle breaks the ankles regularly of big men who are foolish enough to switch onto him in the pick-and-roll. His production dipped in his first season in Boston, but that was to be expected.

He went from being the only offensive option with the Charlotte Hornets to one of three primary options. He still posted a solid line of 20.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. His shooting was exemplary, knocking down 38.1 percent of his 8.4 3-point attempts per game.

When he is healthy, Kemba Walker is the ideal point guard for the Boston Celtics. He is a willing passer and big shot maker. He can take over a game scoring but is also happy to allow his teammates to do the same. Now that there is some level of rim protection on the roster in the form of Tristan Thompson even some of his defensive shortcomings will be mitigated. This should be a big year for Boston and Walker will be at the helm.