Kemba Walker was one of many gamers to look at within the 2011 NBA Draft. In a category that included the likes of Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and Tobias Harris, Walker had the momentum of profitable the NCAA Championship with the College of Connecticut behind him. On draft night time, the then-Charlotte Bobcats chosen Walker with the ninth choose.
Taking a look at it now, you may assume it’s loopy that Walker was chosen forward of Leonard, Thompson, and Butler. However is although? In any case, he did lead the Huskies to a nationwide championship. Hailed the Ultimate 4 Most Excellent Participant, recipient of the Bob Cousy Award, averaged 23.5 factors, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per sport in his ultimate 12 months at UConn.
Quick ahead over a decade later– the NBA is seeing quite a few adjustments and a era of skills fading out of the image. The complete draft class that got here earlier than Walker’s has solely two gamers left within the league, and now, he’s additionally on his means out on the early age of 33.
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On Friday, Jul. 21, Walker signed with French aspect AS Monaco after 12 years within the NBA. However how did he go from single-handedly main UConn to the chip and being the face of Charlotte to European hoops? Let’s look again at Walker’s rise and descent.
The face of the Bobcats/Hornets
Whereas the state of North Carolina shines with unbelievable school basketball applications, the town of Charlotte has not been essentially the most lucky within the NBA. The Bobcats/Hornets are one in every of eleven franchises disadvantaged of a title.
Then Walker landed in Queen Metropolis in 2011. Walker instantly turned the start line guard for the Cats and showcased his potential proper off the bat. Every of his first years had completely different milestones as he repeatedly improved early on. In his rookie 12 months, Walker turned the third Bobcat to file a triple-double (20-11-10 towards the Washington Wizards). As a sophomore, he hit his first NBA game-winner towards the Minnesota Timberwolves. By his third 12 months, Walker led Charlotte to their ninth playoff look of their 25 years as a franchise.
They missed the playoffs the next 12 months however returned in 2016–Walker’s breakthrough season. Walker averaged 20 factors, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists that 12 months, his finest by far within the NBA. The next season, he averaged a 23-5-5 stat line resulting in his first All-Star choice. Walker was an All-Star for the three years that adopted and was chosen for the All-NBA Third staff in 2018-19, his final 12 months with Charlotte.
Transferring role-player and injured placeholder
Wouldn’t it be a Kyrie Irving tenure if it didn’t contain drama? The reply is not any. The Boston Celtics’ try at bringing Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Al Horford collectively to spice up their possibilities was a catastrophe. The truth that that they had younger stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the identical roster amplifies the frustration.
By 2019, Walker discovered himself in Boston attempting to repair what the No. 1 choose in his draft class left in shambles. Regardless of averaging equivalent numbers to his years in Charlotte and serving to the Celtics attain the Japanese Convention Finals within the NBA Bubble, a resurfacing knee harm began the downward spiral for Walker.
After two years in inexperienced, Walker headed residence to New York, the place he performed in 37 video games averaging 11-3-3 for the Knicks. This stint was adopted by a lone season in Dallas because the accidents continued to stunt his playtime. He performed solely 16 minutes in 9 video games for the Mavericks, averaging about eight factors, two assists, and two rebounds. With Irving getting into the Mavericks roster, they waived Walker in January.
What does the long run maintain for Walker?
AS Monaco isn’t a mean staff. Walker is becoming a member of the reigning champions of the LNB Professional A after sweeping Victor Wembanyama and Metropolitans 92 in a five-game collection.
Additionally they gained the EuroCup in 2020-21, solidifying their place as one of many groups to look at in Europe.
Walker’s days within the NBA is perhaps behind him. However with that comes a brand new problem. He is among the highest-profile signings by AS Monaco–his expertise and presence may elevate them additional of their progress. Walker is just 33, so don’t be shocked if we see a resurgence shortly.
Printed on 07/21/2023 at 7:05 PM EDTLast up to date on 07/21/2023 at 7:11 PM EDT
