Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Comparing LaMelo Ball to other Charlotte Hornets’ rookie point guards

By Shawn Simmons

Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 08: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 08, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 08: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 08, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

Kemba Walker was selected ninth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the then-Charlotte Bobcats.

One season removed from a playoff berth, the then-Charlotte Bobcats limped to a 34-48 finished during the 2010-2011 NBA season and entered that offseason with far more questions than answers.

One thing was clear, the present roster wasn’t going to go anywhere other than contending for one of the last spots in the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. While he started all 82 games and performed well, questions still surrounded the Hornets on whether D.J. Augustin could be the long-term answer at the point guard position. Hornets’ management, scratch that, Hornets’ owner Michael Jordan put those questions to bed with the selection of Kemba Walker in the 2011 NBA Draft. After Walker’s legendary run at the University of Connecticut, he was Jordan’s personal pick to lead the Hornets’ franchise in the future.

Coming into the draft, there were questions on if Walker’s size at 6 ft., 1 inch (with shoes), would affect him at the next level. At the time, in terms of size, NBA point guards were getting bigger and many did not believe that Walker would be able to defend the new NBA guard. The bigger question was in Walker’s offensive efficiency. Could Walker shoot at the next level?

With these questions, the Hornets’ did not give Walker the keys immediately. D.J. Augustin remained the Hornets’ starter until he missed time due to injury. Walker proved early that his size would not be an issue but his shooting took more time to develop.

During the lockout-shortened 2011-2012 season, Walker started 25 of the 66 game season. He averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 36% from the field and 30% from three. Although Walker struggled early with his shooting, we all know that wouldn’t be the story for long.