2. Which Kemba Walker will we see?
Kemba Walker was one of the best point guards in the NBA last season and an early pick for the MVP award. After Charlotte low-balled him this summer, Walker made a wise decision and left for a contending team.
For the first time in his career, he has solid players around him to share the ball with. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Gordon Hayward (before his injury) are the best supporting cast Walker has seen in the NBA.
With other players cutting into his spotlight, Walker hasn’t been as effective as he was in Charlotte. He’s been up and down all season. Over the last three games, Walker has shot 40.0 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from behind the arc. If these efficiency struggles continue, Walker could be a non-factor.
This likely won’t be the night Walker returns to form because of who will be guarding him. Patrick Beverley has made his money by getting under the skin of the league’s biggest stars. He’s forced countless opponents into rough shooting nights.
If I had to put my money on it, I’d bet that Walkers recent slump continues through tonight due to the collective effort of Patrick Beverley, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard on defense.