Minnesota Timberwolves would be fools to ignore Kemba Walker

Are the Minnesota Timberwolves going to make a roster move soon? I don’t see how the team can possibly resist doing so, as the latest NBA news continues to report ever-increasingly intriguing veterans hitting free agency. And we know that the Minnesota Timberwolves roster has unfilled needs, needs that could be fixed with the right Timberwolves free agency signing. Like who?

Well, another intriguing NBA veteran is suddenly available, and this time it’s former Dallas Mavericks Kemba Walker. The latest report indicates that he was waived to avoid his salary becoming guaranteed this Saturday.  Rather than be on the hook for that salary, the Mavericks opted to part ways with him now.

And he is a veteran point guard who, in so many ways, the Minnesota Timberwolves would be fools to ignore.

Kemba Walker, eh? Tell me more . . .

Kemba Walker could be a solid PG

Even as the Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled with injuries to their front court, this team has an even more glaring need at the point guard position. The reason is pretty shocking in itself. Backup point guard Jordan McLaughlin has battled intermittent injuries and has not suited up for the Timberwolves for nearly a month. His last game was played on December 9, 2022, against the Utah Jazz.

Starting point guard D’Angelo Rusell, meanwhile, has only had a resurgence in his production when he admitted to struggling with the role of point guard on this team.  So one point guard is hurt, and another point guard can’t do the job. That sounds like a team in need of a true point guard.

Kemba Walker is a 10-year NBA veteran, a player who has likely played his best NBA seasons in the past. But he continues to have solid experience, both in the regular season and in the NBA Playoffs. He is a 4X NBA All-Star, his last time being as recently as 2019-2020. While his production has seen a drop-off, much of that is attributable to minutes.

Because he is a truly talented NBA point guard, the Timberwolves should definitely sign him up, even if just for a 10-day contract. Here’s why:

Talented point guards can make all the difference. And it’s quite clear that Walker’s resume includes a number of chapters with highly effective rosters. He has a solid perimeter shot, can put up points, and can play defense, and his skillsets appear to align with the type of play that would amplify the offense of center Rudy Gobert.

In 44 minutes played against the Timberwolves this season, Walker scored 18 points, hauled in six rebounds, and generated three assists. While not remarkable stats, the guy has the ability to do all of the things that the Minnesota Timberwolves need right now.