Hoops Habit
Fansided

New York Knicks: 3 X-factors for the 2021-22 NBA season

By Brendan O'Sullivan

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Julius Randle #30 and Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks leave the court after the first half of a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2021 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Julius Randle #30 and Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks leave the court after the first half of a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2021 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
New York Knicks Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
New York Knicks Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images /

Kemba Walker will be an X-factor for the New York Knicks in 2021-22

Kemba Walker is the starting point guard for the Knicks. For fans, it must sound nice to hear or say that, especially after years of Elfrid Payton at the helm.

And no knock on Raymond Felton — the point guard during the last few successful Knicks seasons — but Walker is easily the most talented lead guard the Knicks have rostered in more than a decade.

The signing adds a reliable ball-handler and shot maker, who also can distribute fairly well. Derrick Rose stepped into this role in the playoffs, but even his excellent play couldn’t beat the Atlanta Hawks.

Rose’s playoff numbers will be near impossible to replicate over the whole season, especially since he’ll begin the season on the bench. But even a fraction of that performance is advantageous for the Knicks.

The importance of having Rose is more than being one of the top sixth men in the league. It’s about being a safety net for Walker.

Walker has received a lot of positive attention since signing with his hometown team. However, it’s not all glamour when considering the stability of his left knee.

He’s healthy right now, having played in both preseason games. However, this knee has haunted him dating back to 2010. Walker tore his meniscus while playing at the University of Connecticut and tore it twice with the Charlotte Hornets in 2015 and 2016.

Just last year, he played 43 of 72 games and missed the final two playoff games due to his nagging left knee. Dr. Wellington Hsu, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University, told the New York Post the injury will linger.

"“He’ll always have the issue the rest of his career,’’ Hsu told The Post. “He’s not a spring chicken. He’ll have some type of lingering issue.”"

Nevertheless, Walker said his knee felt mostly fine last season. Pair that with his ability to play preseason contests, and it’s fair to believe the four-time All-Star.

Health is hard to predict. All it takes is one bad step or twist to shut down a player. And as difficult as it is to predict health, it’s also nearly impossible to protect players from injury.

It may be out of Walker’s control, but his health is a major X-factor in the Knicks’ success. Rose is a great backup, but the bench becomes thin and without a veteran point guard if Walker gets injured. Keeping Walker on the court is a top priority for the team this season.

Home/New York Knicks