The New York Knicks have decided to build on their playoff appearance this season, adding some solid and experienced veterans to the team in order to improve. One of those players is former All-Star Kemba Walker, who averaged just over 19 PPG last season. He will certainly help with some of the Knicks’ offensive struggles which were exposed in the playoffs by the Atlanta Hawks.
Kemba Walker’s addition to the Knicks gives them two elite options at point guard, as former MVP Derrick Rose is still on the roster. Derrick Rose was solid for the Knicks last season, and he had some great performances during the series against the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 19.4 PPG and 5.0 APG in the first round.
While some fans have debated about which of the two players should start, Derrick Rose has stated that Kemba Walker will be starting during his media availability. Rose mentioned that he’s not concerned about his minutes whatsoever.
Derrick Rose on Kemba Walker and the point guard rotation:
"He's starting. I'm doing whatever it takes to change the game, I'm not worried about minutes" pic.twitter.com/YiAMQetRv1
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) September 27, 2021
I played against him in high school… he’s always been competitive. He’s a dog… who wouldn’t want Kemba Walker on their team? You’d be a fool not to.
He’s starting. He’s starting, and I’m doing whatever it takes to change the game. I’m not worried about minutes or playing time or anything like that. Thibs is gonna handle that.
There is no question that Derrick Rose has excelled when coming off the bench over the last few seasons, and there’s no doubt that his ability to quickly score and create for others makes it a great role for him. Derrick Rose’s minutes were also ramped up in the playoffs, which is where him playing big minutes becomes more important.
The New York Knicks clearly got better as a team after their free agency acquisitions. Julius Randle already detailed how Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier will make the Knicks better, and spoke highly of their prowess at shooting. Hopefully, they are able to have another successful season, and perhaps we’ll see the Knicks win a playoff series this year.
