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Not only is Bronx-born playmaker Kemba Walker super happy to come home and become a Knick, he’s also “super” healthy.
At least that’s what the four-time All-Star said during his introductory Garden Floor press conference on Tuesday.
“I feel great,” said Walker, who missed time last season with a left knee injury. “My knee feels good. Honestly, I haven’t played so much since the regular season. I feel really good. I haven’t had that much free time in a little while, in a few years, to be honest.
“It feels good to have this rest and the time to put my right knee back on. I intend to arrive feeling great and continue to feel great. ”
It was a party atmosphere at the Garden, when Walker joined the scene with new signer Evan Fournier, whom the Knicks secured in a signing and trade. Both played in Boston last season, but Walker is from New York – a bit closer than Fournier’s homeland of France.
Walker became moved at one point as he spoke of seeing the side of the garden facade adorned with a gigantic photo of his and Fournier’s face. His mother, Andrea and his sister were present. So is rapper Fat Joe, who is also from the Bronx.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Walker said. “It’s a great feeling. I grew up here, I walked around town and saw the faces of these guys on the billboards playing for the Knicks, and I’m going to play in New York. Now to see me up there with Evan that I’ve known for a minute now, man, it’s an amazing feeling. I am grateful.”
Walker was limited to 43 games last season, struggling with an arthritic left knee that required stem cell injections. He also failed in the playoffs, missing the last two games against the Nets.
The 31-year-old wants to reverse the tale that he damaged goods.
“It means everything,” Walker said. “It’s the engine of everything. Because I know what kind of player I am. I know what level I want to be. It’s an additional motivation. ”
Walker claims the knee wasn’t much of an obstacle, but he didn’t play back-to-back.
“Not much,” Walker said. “Last season, not much, to be honest. Not my knee. I felt pretty good. I just had a little hiccup in the playoffs which sucked obviously nobody likes to be injured especially around this time. But I felt pretty good all year round. ”
When asked if he’ll have to jump back-to-back playoffs again, Walker laughed and pointed to the front row. “You have to ask him. Ask Thib. ”
The Knicks coach replied, “He’s playing” with laughter.
Thibodeau, President Leon Rose and General Manager Scott Perry were seated in the front row. They did not speak to the press because not all of their signatures became official. Rose has not spoken to the press for over a year.
The Knicks finished 41-31 – fourth seed in the East – before blowing themselves up in the first round of five games against the Hawks, which they face at Christmas this season. Can the Knicks be better with Walker and Fournier as upgrades?
“We’re going to be really good,” Walker said. “My ability to get into the lane, I hope I can attract more defensemen and get rid of basketball. By trusting my teammates, I know this guy (Fournier) will enlighten him.
“He’s definitely going to pull the shit out of the ball. We have a bunch of young people. We just drafted some very, very good players. I was really impressed to watch Summer League and some of the other guys who have been here. Me and Evan plan to come here, bring some leadership and add to what they have. ”
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