Knicks Yank Former All-Star Out Of Their Rotation

 

The New York Knicks' season hasn't gone exactly as planned thus far. Hoping to build off their strong showing last year and a playoff appearance, they went out in the offseason and made backpage headlines in New York by adding Kemba Walker, a former All-Star point guard, hoping to beef up their backcourt considerably.

Now, Walker is not only out as the starter, he has been pulled from the rotation.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau tells reporters that Kemba Walker is out of the rotation, and Alec Burks will remain the starting point guard.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 29, 2021

Alec Burks will be the starter going forward, with Derrick Rose coming off the bench. Of the 6-foot-6 Burks, head coach Tom Thibodeau says "What Alec gives us is size," after he led the team with 23 points while filling in for Walker on Saturday in the Knicks' win over the Atlanta Hawks.  

The 31-year-old Walker has a team-worst minus-122 on the season, and has missed time with his arthritic knee. 

Kemba Walker is out of the Knicks rotation "as of right now," coach Tom Thibodeau says.

🎥 @sny_knickspic.twitter.com/wqmmDje2Fb

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) November 29, 2021

Thibodeau says "it's a tough decision to make, but you always have to do what you think is best for the team... I've got great respect for who Kemba is as a person and all that he's accomplished in this league, but I have to do I think is best for the team." 

The Knicks currently sit 7th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-9 record. 

Photo Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports