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3 best landing spots for Kemba Walker to revive his career

By Peter O'Keefe

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks in action against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 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. New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-91. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks in action against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 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. New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-91. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Kemba Walker
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 21: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 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. New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-91. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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.

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.

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