Coach Kemba: The Kemba Walker Thread

[UNCNYC]

Attention Kemba Walker

I normally don't address players who exit our franchise but if there was ever a player to do that for it would be you sir.

The same way our mouths are left open in awe of you leaving, or our hearts are saddened, is the same effect that you left
on oponents and oposing fans for so many years in our organization...

I wonder if this is Karma...

I doubt it, Karma and Kemba don't go together. (although it kinda sounds like it does).

You gave us something to hope for, cheer for, and aspire to become both on and off the court.

You were financially, and talent wise so much richer than many of us, yet barely 6 feet tall and humble.

I guess that explains you.

The ability to connect on all levels.

Such a well rounded quality genuine person.

Kemba Walker we wish you all the best in your NBA future and beyond.

I hope you win not 1, not 2, not 3 but "15" championships.

Best of luck sir.

Go HORNETS

[-Ian-]

Watching this hurt my soul.

Watch on YouTube

[MasterIchiro]

"The money wasn't there"
"Some days early on I struggled"
"I was a little heartbroken"

Reads to me like the Hornets did not express serious interest. It wasn't a snap decision. They decided to rebuild long before Kemba's free agency.

[catch20two]

I’m under the impression that it was a mutual split. MJ and Mitch already knew Kemba was likely gone by season’s end. Holding onto him into the summer until he was a free agent instead of trading him at the deadline for late 1st round picks or players unwanted by their respective team was a PR move that backfired in shortsightedness but would’ve been much more ridiculed had they traded their franchise best player because they couldn’t afford to keep him or put talent around him.

I think all of the rumors about Charlotte lowballing him are false and purely speculation due to the outcome.

Kemba loved the city of Charlotte and didn’t really want to leave. He appreciated the opportunity that Jordan and the organization gave him as a heavily criticized player coming into the league.

BUT...he wanted to play for a winning franchise and Charlotte couldn’t provide that for him so he had to go.

[BigSlam]

For those who didn't see it, Walker's tribute video from last nights game Vs Boston:

Watch on YouTube

[LurkCobain]

I’m under the impression that it was a mutual split. MJ and Mitch already knew Kemba was likely gone by season’s end. Holding onto him into the summer until he was a free agent instead of trading him at the deadline for late 1st round picks or players unwanted by their respective team was a PR move that backfired in shortsightedness but would’ve been much more ridiculed had they traded their franchise best player because they couldn’t afford to keep him or put talent around him.

I think all of the rumors about Charlotte lowballing him are false and purely speculation due to the outcome.

Kemba loved the city of Charlotte and didn’t really want to leave. He appreciated the opportunity that Jordan and the organization gave him as a heavily criticized player coming into the league.

BUT...he wanted to play for a winning franchise and Charlotte couldn’t provide that for him so he had to go.

I think that some people are not reading in between the lines with Kemba. He stated he wanted to stay, BUT.. ...

-He KNEW we couldn't afford him due to being cap strapped as a small market team
-he also knew that Charlotte would not be able to field a team on Bostons level.

I believe he didnt let the team know of his intent until after the season. Why put feelers out there stating you're riding with the team at the trade deadline and that you're all in, only to leave for Boston the day of free agency? Somethings not adding up. I love Kemba, he seems like a stand up dude. But he should've thrown the organization a bone to at least allow a trade before the deadline. I think hes playing both sides.

[JDR720]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/266177/Kemba-Walker-Could-Return-To-Hornets

[SWedd523]

As i said before, I don't think bringing him back now is a good idea.

Would he be a great backup in the IT/Ish role? Yes.

Do I feel like it would cause some unnecessary friction between Melo/FO/Fans? Also definitely yes. He just meant too much to the city and was the man for too long to expect that to be a happy marriage for all parties

[BigSlam]

Still can’t believe how insistent several posters were about giving him the super max.

What have his stats been since signing that contract?

And how many teams has he been on since signing that contact?

[wco81]

Don't the Hornets need other types of players than a backup PG?

They've been a good offensive team but need more defenders?

[Robot Rock]

It’d be nice for both sides to at least agree on a deal that would see him retire here when he wants.

[LofJ]

Rick and Gabe need to go all out with a jersey retirement ceremony the first home game of the season.

Read on Twitter

[KembaWalker]

Put him on the coaching staff

[LofJ]

"Basketball will forever be part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next."

If what's next is with any NBA team other than the Hornets we messed up.

[EmpireFalls]

He was at the presser for Lee and Peterson so I’m hopeful he’ll be with the team in some capacity

[LofJ]

If we start off the season with a Kemba jersey retirement ceremony, man I really, really need to be there.

Read on Twitter

[yosemiteben]

I love Kemba so much.

[SWedd523]

Dude gave his all every night. Never quit, never spoke ill of the team despite never really having a support staff worth a damn. Never got in trouble or made the wrong headlines. Just suited up and balled out until his body broke down.

Him and Crash need their own special area in the arena

[fatlever]

retire kemba's jersey asap!!!

[Chapelchilla]

The only Hornet in the 2.0 era worthy of legend status. Glad he was here and grateful we got to see him do amazing stuff. I sure hope he joins the organization too. Him and Marv can be in charge of team building and character development.