Hornets looking to reunite with surprising player?
Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The Charlotte Hornets may be about to fuse past and present together.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Monday that the Hornets are considering a reunion with ex-franchise player Kemba Walker, who played for them from 2011 to 2019. Charlotte has a potential need for another reserve point guard, and Walker is among their options, Charania adds.
The 32-year-old Walker, who was traded to the Detroit Pistons earlier this summer and subsequently bought out, is likely the greatest Hornets player of the last decade. He made four All-Star teams plus an All-NBA team in Charlotte, serving as the face of the franchise for many years. Walker also helped lead the Hornets to their most recent playoff appearance in 2016.
Still, a reunion would be surprising since Walker left on bitter terms in 2019 when Charlotte reportedly lowballed him in extension talks. Further, the Hornets have a new franchise point guard in 20-year-old LaMelo Ball.
But as a likely minimum salary player coming off a injury-riddled, career-worst year last season with the New York Knicks, Walker may have value as a veteran backup for Ball. Also working in Walker’s favor is that the Hornets recently re-hired Walker’s former head coach for another stint.
