Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to sign Kemba Walker to address playmaking need

The Dallas Mavericks have been short a ball-handler and playmaker since the departure of Jalen Brunson this summer. They reached the conference finals last season by having a second creator on the floor next to Luka Doncic to diversify their offense. Brunson’s departure in free agency left just two playmakers on the roster.

The Mavs signed Facundo Campazzo just before the start of the regular season, but he has not been the answer. The veteran point guard averaged just 1.3 points and 1.1 assists in 6.5 minutes per over eight games this season. Campazzo is undersized, struggles to space the floor, and is a below-average defender. It was far from the perfect fit in Dallas.

Marc Stein broke the news (subscription required) on Monday morning that the Mavericks planned to sign Kemba Walker to address their playmaking needs. Here is a closer look at what he could bring to the table.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to sign Kemba Walker to address playmaking need

The Mavericks are rumored to be waiving Campazzo to add Walker. The four-time All-Star guard has struggled with injuries in recent years, but he was viewed as an elite point guard in 2020. Last season, Kemba averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game. He shot just 40.3 percent from the field, but he did make 36.7 percent of his 3-point tries, which is just over his career average of 36.0 percent.

Fans should not expect All-Star Kemba Walker to walk through the door. What the 32-year-old can still do is organize the offense and score ten to 12 points per game. He is a below-average defender, but his offensive contributions could outweigh his negatives on defense, especially when leading the second unit.

Kemba Walker joined the Woj pod in early November where he discussed his training and readiness to make an impact this season. The Mavericks gave him a shot. Will Walker thrive in Dallas?

The Dallas Mavericks have lost four straight games to fall below .500 for the first time since they were 1-2. They are hoping Kemba Walker brings some on-court impact and an added boost in the locker room as the Mavs look to get back into the playoff mix. Stay tuned for plenty more on this signing.