The Sixers’ risk doesn’t match the reward for Kemba Walker
In contrast, Kemba Walker is younger than Lowry at 31, but he is now recovering from yet another knee injury which he suffered from this season and the season prior. His durability has become an important factor as to why I wouldn’t take him over Lowry. He is also a potential defensive liability that could be exposed as a major weakness, like Seth Curry was in the playoffs.
Having only played in 43 games last season, Walker averaged 19.3 points, which is his lowest career scoring average, with 4.9 assists on 36 percent shooting from the 3-point line. During a relatively healthy 2019-20 season, Walker ranked in the 83.8 percentile in isolation with a 6.7 frequency, second on the team behind Jason Tatum. If Walker was to be added to the Sixers, especially with both Embiid and Simmons on the court, his isolation usage would harm the offense, as it would create unfavorable positioning for Ben Simmons, who isn’t willing to shoot.
Also, having just recently been traded along with the Celtics’16th pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, getting Walker without moving Ben Simmons would be hard, if not impossible. The Sixers would potentially have to move on from Tobias Harris, who is a couple years younger than Walker and has been injury-free for the most part of his career. Going after Kemba Walker and his ailing knee would be a huge risk, especially if his injuries continue to be an issue come playoff time.
When it comes down to it, though, the Philadelphia 76ers need someone who can help elevate the entire group both offensively and defensively. Kyle Lowry comes with much needed playoff experience that will help get them to the Finals that his team and fan base desperately need.