The Boston Celtics’ attempt at bringing Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Al Horford together to boost their chances was a disaster. Would it be a Kyrie Irving tenure if it did not involve drama? The answer is no. Moving role-player and injured placeholder Walker was an All-Star for the three years that followed and was selected for the All-NBA Third team in 2018-19, his last year with Charlotte. The following season, he averaged a 23-5-5 stat line leading to his first All-Star selection. Walker averaged 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists that year, his best by far in the NBA. They missed the playoffs the following year but returned in 2016–Walker’s breakthrough season. By his third year, Walker led Charlotte to their ninth playoff appearance in their 25 years as a franchise. As a sophomore, he hit his first NBA game-winner against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his rookie year, Walker became the third Bobcat to record a triple-double (20-11-10 against the Washington Wizards). Each of his first years had different milestones as he continuously improved early on. Walker immediately became the starting point guard for the Cats and showcased his potential right off the bat. Then Walker landed in Queen City in 2011. The Bobcats/Hornets are one of eleven franchises deprived of a title.

While the state of North Carolina shines with incredible college basketball programs, the city of Charlotte has not been the most fortunate in the NBA. But how did he go from single-handedly leading UConn to the chip and being the face of Charlotte to European hoops? Let’s look back at Walker’s rise and descent. 21, Walker signed with French side AS Monaco after 12 years in the NBA. The entire draft class that came before Walker’s has only two players left in the league, and now, he is also on his way out at the early age of 33. Hailed the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, recipient of the Bob Cousy Award, averaged 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in his final year at UConn.įast forward over a decade later– the NBA is seeing numerous changes and a generation of talents fading out of the picture. But is though? After all, he did lead the Huskies to a national championship.

Looking at it now, you might think it’s crazy that Walker was selected ahead of Leonard, Thompson, and Butler. On draft night, the then-Charlotte Bobcats selected Walker with the ninth pick. In a class that included the likes of Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and Tobias Harris, Walker had the momentum of winning the NCAA Championship with the University of Connecticut behind him. Kemba Walker was one of the players to watch in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Kemba walker stats after all star break