Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets 2017-18 season grades: Kemba Walker

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 1: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets makes his entrance before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 1: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets makes his entrance before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 1: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets makes his entrance before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 1: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets makes his entrance before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kemba Walker was by far the Charlotte Hornets’ best player during the 2017-18 season and was rewarded with his second straight all-star appearance.

In a season full of turmoil and disappointment, Kemba Walker was a bright spot for the Charlotte Hornets. Despite his individual success, the all-star point guard couldn’t lead the Queen City team to the playoffs as they missed out on postseason play for the third consecutive year. His performance throughout the campaign surely solidified his place among the top guards in the NBA.

The 27-year old enjoyed one of the most remarkable seasons in team history as he broke a number of records. His season was highlighted by an appearance in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. He made it in as an injury replacement. The 6’1 guard was Charlotte’s go-to player and has become the face of the franchise.

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Even though he broke a number of records and was the team’s best player, Kemba actually took a step back in terms of production and efficiency. He’s upped his scoring and shooting percentages in each of the last two seasons but we saw his numbers drop across the board in2017-18. Granted, he did have to shoulder a majority of the scoring load for Charlotte.

Looking at his stats, Walker’s points per game dropped from 23.2 last season to 22.1 this year while his shooting splits went from 44.4% FG/ 39.9% 3P/ 84.7% FT down to 43.1% FG/ 38.4% 3P/ 86.4% FT. Despite his dip in scoring efficiency, he did up his assists from 5.5 per game to 5.6 this season.

Kemba led the Hornets in scoring, steals, assists, field goals made, three’s made, free throws made and minutes played this season. He only missed two games as the former ninth overall pick was a staple in Charlotte’s starting lineup.

Looking at advanced stats, he led the team in VORP, Box plus/minus, win shares, usage percentage and assist percentage. Making only $12 million this season, he is on one of the most team-friendly deals in the NBA today.

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