New York Knicks: 3 Kemba Walker replacements on their roster

New York Knicks Replacement #1: Alec Burks

I figured it makes sense to start with the new starting point guard of the Knicks for at least the time being.

Let’s start with the positives, as I’ve been a massive fan of Burks’ game for years and knew the Knicks made the right move signing him in 2020 and then re-signing him in 2021.

Alec Burks re-signed with the Knicks for 3 years/30 million. For reference, Duncan Robinson got 5 years/90 Million from the Miami Heat.  WOW.

This is not me saying Robinson is overpaid, Davis Bertans got the same deal from the Washington Wizards in 2020 free agency, and Joe Harris received 4 years/75 million from the Brooklyn Nets.

Shooters get paid nowadays.  Burks, who shoots the second best, only behind Harris by 1.5% is easily the best defender and shot creator out of these four players.

Burks is paid the least amount of money to do more on the court than any of these other three, while he’s either a better shooter than two of them.

The Knicks’ new starting point guard has also been their go-to clutch performer since last season and has only gotten better at it. Burks is the Knicks King of Clutch, and it is well deserved.

Now there are definitely concerns with Burks as the new starting point guard of the Knicks. I’ve always seen Burks as more of a wing than a point guard.  He is not an especially good playmaker.

Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Evan Fournier are all above average at playmaking for their positions which makes up for Burks, however, there is no clear floor general in the Knicks starting five.

Most Thibodeau-coached teams have a floor general, so this could raise concerns.  However, the Knicks have been successful with Burks on the court, and he is the best defender out of the three options.