Player Name: Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets)
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1/172 pounds
Why you need to watch him on NBA League Pass: Don’t tell Kemba Walker that the New York City point guard is dead. Sure, there’s been a long line of them at the NBA level from Tiny Archibald to Kenny Anderson, from Stephon Marbury to Mark Jackson. But just because that pipeline hasn’t produced with the same proficiency the last few years doesn’t mean the well has run dry.
Just look to Charlotte point guard Walker, a native of the Bronx, who plays with the same grit and grind of so many of his NYC predecessors. Walker first made a national name for himself with several incredible postseason performances for the UConn Huskies. And while his NBA career has yet to find the same team success, it’s hard to fault Walker, as he’s averaged at least 17 points per game the last three seasons.
After years of front office upheaval in Charlotte, the last two seasons under coach Steve Clifford, the Hornets finally seem to have an identity and brand to build on, as long as Walker and other key cogs have been able to stay healthy. Of course, a recent injury to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist means the Hornets will be at least one man down this season. But it also means more of a role for Walker, on both ends of the court.
— Lang Whitaker, NBA.com
