As you read this, Kemba Walker is still a member of the Detroit Pistons, but there’s not really a role for him there with Cade Cunningham, Cory Joseph and Killian Hayes already on the roster. The Pistons and Walker reportedly have talked about a buyout but the buzz is Walker hasn’t signed off, presumably because he has yet to find his next landing spot.
Talking with Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Walker let it be known he has something to give a team.“I’ve got something in the tank for sure,” Walker said. “I’m just grinding and trying to feel as good as I can. And right now I feel great. I feel as great as I’ve felt in a long time. I’m just waiting for my opportunity.”
And he insists doesn’t care whether that’s as a reserve or starter.
“I just want to be able to play basketball again,” Walker said. “I don’t care. I started my career off playing basketball coming off the bench. Who cares? I just want to be able to play ball like I love to do, be around some great, great teammates and just have fun.”
With the Knicks last season, Walker averaged 11.6 points and 3.5 assists a night, but played in just 37 games due to ongoing knee problems. That’s the question for teams considering Walker, even as a reserve point guard: can he hold up physically?
There are some teams where a roll of the dice on Walker seems reasonable. Charlotte has long been rumored as they could use point guard depth behind LaMelo Ball, maybe Chicago wants a little insurance to start the season with Lonzo Ball out. Other teams make sense on paper as well, if those teams think Walker can contribute and stay healthy.