Kemba unsure of future following Knicks benching

New York Knicks point guard Kemba Walker doesn't know what his future holds following his removal from the rotation by head coach Tom Thibodeau.

The 31-year-old Bronx native hasn't appeared in any of the team's last four outings after being benched just 18 games into a two-year, $18-million contract with the Knicks.

"I love to be on the court," Walker told the New York Post's Greg Joyce following Monday's practice." This is the first time this has happened to me in my career, pretty much on any level. But at the end of the day, I have respect for coach Thibs and the decision he made. It might not have been an easy one, but it was a choice he made. I have no choice but to live with it.

"I've always been a team guy first. It's not about me, it's about the team. So if he feels that's what's going to make the team better, then so be it. I'm just going to be here for my teammates. I'm here to help in any way, shape, or form that I can."

Monday marked the first time the four-time All-Star has discussed his demotion. Walker was non-committal when asked whether his future is in New York or elsewhere.

"I'm not sure. We'll see," Walker said. "I don't know."

Walker signed with the Knicks in the summer following two injury-riddled campaigns with the Boston Celtics. The hopes were that Walker could revive a wobbling career in his hometown, but his 11.7 points per game mark the lowest of his 11-year NBA career.

"I could be pissed. I could be upset," Walker said. "But at the end of the day, there's some young guys here who look up to me. I'm pretty sure they wanted to see how I reacted to the situation. Anybody on my team down the line can be in the same situation. Maybe I can be a role model in that aspect."

The Knicks have lost three straight with Alec Burks starting in Walker's stead ahead of Tuesday's trip to face the San Antonio Spurs.