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Why a Kemba Walker reunion with the Charlotte Hornets doesn’t make sense

By Evan Birchmore

Apr 7, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) gives high fives to teammates as he walks to the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) gives high fives to teammates as he walks to the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 07: Former Charlotte Hornets’ player Kemba Walker attends the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Boston Celtics at Greensboro Coliseum Complex on October 07, 2022 in Greensboro, 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. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 07: Former Charlotte Hornets’ player Kemba Walker attends the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Boston Celtics at Greensboro Coliseum Complex on October 07, 2022 in Greensboro, 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. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Why a Kemba Walker reunion doesn’t make sense for Kemba Walker

There are better situations for Kemba Walker than the Charlotte Hornets

Kemba Walker can still be a useful player for an NBA team in the correct situation. That NBA team is not the Hornets, and that situation is not in Charlotte.

Currently sitting at 3-11, the Hornets are currently tied with the Detroit Pistons for 14th in the Eastern Conference and are already 3.5 games out of the final play-in tournament spot, a gap that only figures to get larger as the season progresses. While the Hornets could theoretically bring in Walker in hopes of making a run at the play-in tournament, the end result would likely be a third consecutive play-in tournament exit and a seventh consecutive season without a playoff berth.

Walker would best fit in with a team that is in playoff contention and is looking for a scoring threat off the bench, rather than with a Charlotte squad whose postseason hopes are already on life support.

Kemba Walker doesn’t need to add to his legacy with the Charlotte Hornets

Kemba Walker is the greatest player in Charlotte Hornets franchise history. His individual accomplishments, the team’s success during his years, and his loyalty and attitude while with the team are all a part of why Walker is still revered by Hornets fans.

However, he is no longer the 23-year-old who led the Bobcats against LeBron James’ Miami Heat team in the 2014 playoffs. He is no longer the 25-year-old who led the Hornets to 48 wins and game 7 of the first round. He is no longer the 28-year-old who made the All-NBA Third Team and headlined the NBA All-Star Game when the event came to Charlotte in 2019.

In short, Walker is no longer the player he once was, and while a reunion would make for a good story, it would be best to remember Walker’s time with the Hornets fondly while also focusing on the present moment.

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