Charlotte Hornets: Five Reasons Why Kemba Walker Should be an All-Star

Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) practices before their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) practices before their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets won 120-118. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets won 120-118. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Career Season With Numbers Comparable to Other All-Stars

After stepping up his play to a career level last season, many wondered where Walker would go from there. It turns out that he had another gear and his growth has continued upward. He has upped his scoring and assist numbers this year.

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While his assists may seem low, it is important to remember that Nicolas Batum is the team’s secondary ball handler and he gets a number of assists. Not to mention that Walker is also the number one scoring option (and there is hardly a consistent number two) on the Hornets’ team.

The most important development in his game has been his improved outside shot. Kemba struggled with his shooting range for years in college and in his four seasons in the league. Now that he has that part of his game figured out, Walker is shooting the ball from deep above a 40% clip which seemed impossible just a few short years ago.

Just to look at a few of his numbers, Kemba is seventh among NBA point guards in points per game, sixth in field goal percentage, and fourth in three-point shooting. He is playing the best basketball of his career and it would be a shame if it went unrecognized. He is worthy of an all-star nod with the stats he’s putting up.