Kemba Walker was an NBA All-Star while averaging 19.3 points for the Boston Celtics just two seasons ago. Yet, after a failed venture to the New York Knicks and with a continual knee issue, his NBA career tilts in an uncertain position.
The downfall has come quickly for Walker, seen by many as the missing piece to a New York team that finished fourth in the Eastern Conference in the 2020-21 season. But after just 37 games, the two sides agreed that the four-time All-Star would sit the remainder of the season.
Then, on draft night last Thursday, Walker was traded to the Detroit Pistons in a salary dumping move by the Knicks. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Walker will likely become a free agent after completing a buyout with Detroit.
Kemba Walker and the Pistons are expected to discuss a contract buyout that will allow him to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Walker landed with Detroit as part of three-way trade with Charlotte and New York.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2022
3 best landing spots for Kemba Walker to revive his career
As an offensive initiator and high-level three-point shooter, it’s hard to envisage Walker not getting another opportunity somewhere in the league. The issue is that everyone (teams, media, and fans) need to forget the previous expectations set upon him.
Walker has been a starter ever since his second year in the league. But he’s simply not that anymore, with the once explosive quick first step vanishing thanks to injury. It means the offensive capacity no longer overshadows the obvious defensive limitations he’s always had at six feet tall.
Still, there’s no reason Walker can’t be a backup point guard in need of a steady presence off the bench. With that in mind, let’s look at three teams where Walker could thrive in such a role.