Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Four free agents the Hornets could sign

By Evan Birchmore

Jan 19, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; A detail view of the center court logo for Classic Night game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Phoenix Suns at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; A detail view of the center court logo for Classic Night game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Phoenix Suns at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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MIAMI, FL – MARCH 17: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 17: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Kemba Walker

The Hornets need a backup point guard. Kemba Walker needs a new team after being bought out by the Detroit Pistons. The Hornets need a veteran leader to assume the role that Isaiah Thomas took on last season. Hornets fans need some positive news to get excited about. Steve Clifford, Walker’s coach of five years, is back in Charlotte. This move makes sense on multiple fronts.

While Walker cannot be expected to be the player he was during his first stint with the Hornets, he would still be a terrific addition to the roster. The intangibles go without saying; Walker is beloved by the fanbase, he loves the city of Charlotte, and he is a player who the rest of the roster has immense respect for.

Kemba Walker can also still play basketball.

He was the second-leading scorer and an All-Star for a Boston Celtics team that made the Eastern Conference Finals less than two calendar years ago. As recently as December, Walker had a 44 point, 9 rebound, and 8 assist performance against the Washington Wizards.

He will not be the same All-Star caliber player that he was during his first tenure in Charlotte. He averaged career lows in points, rebounds, and assists last season, and his 37 games played was the least of any season in his career. However, all 37 of those appearances were starts, and Walker would not be tasked with being a starting point guard in Charlotte. Walker would essentially be an upgraded version of what Isaiah Thomas was last season when he played 13 minutes per night across 17 games. While both Walker and Thomas are clearly past their respective primes, Walker is a year younger, three inches taller, and has less of an injury history. His existing relationship with Steve Clifford is also a major factor, as both have had their highest successes while with the other.