KEY POINTS

  • Tom Thibodeau needs to find ways to optimize Kemba Walker with several players out of action
  • Derrick Rose's latest ankle surgery casts doubts on his efficiency with the Knicks
  • Walker is expected to be shipped by the Knicks by the NBA trade deadline in February

The New York Knicks are hoping to turn things around, but they now find themselves with even more worries.

NBA veteran Derrick Rose reportedly underwent surgery for his right ankle and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks according to an official New York Knicks release.

Before that, the 2011 NBA MVP was listed on a day-to-day basis.

Hearing about D-Rose going under the knife is not exactly something new.

The three-time All-Star has gotten his fair share of major injuries, a reason why he has struggled to consistently perform.

Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks
Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks Getty Images | Michael Reaves

With the latest medical procedure, there is no telling how well he can recover from it.

Hence, head coach Tom Thibodeau may have to address the void of the veteran and there is perhaps no other plausible recourse than Kemba Walker.

The four-time All-Star is widely speculated to be on the trading block, especially after Thibodeau relegated him to the bench in favor of Alec Burks in November.

However, this was before the league’s health and safety protocols entered the picture.

Most teams are struggling to have ample players available during games, a reason why some matches have been forcibly postponed.

Walker had a big game against his former team--the Boston Celtics--and stressed that he was not too thrilled when he was relegated to the bench, ESPN reported.

"I hate it," Walker stated about being out of the lineup. "I want to play... I do feel like I have a lot to give still."

The relationship between Walker and Thibodeau is not at its finest, but the recent developments may see the 31-year-old guard getting more playing time.

Despite the controversy tied to the move of Thibodeau, the Knicks coach stressed that he was just trying to do what is best for the team, the New York Post reported.

While understandable, it will be interesting how long Walker will patiently align with that decision.

Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks
Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks Getty Images | Patrick McDermott

“I love Kemba,” Thibodeau stated. “My job is to do what’s best for the team.”

After the 29-point scoring splurge of Walker against the Celtics, the Knicks also got 21 out of him in their win against the Detroit Pistons.

All this proves is that Walker can deliver the points when needed.

But as far as his future is concerned, the belief is that the No. 9 overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft is likely moving to a new team by the February trade deadline.

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