Kemba Walker remains without a team a few weeks into the 2022-23 NBA season. Given his offensive skill set and veteran leadership, he could certainly help several franchises.
According to his former college coach Jim Calhoun, Walker can bring value to a team whether he’s on the court or not. The legendary coach also revealed that the 32-year-old point guard has already tried out for two teams, although he did not disclose which teams.
"He walks into a locker room, the team's better"
Hall of Fame Head Coach Jim Calhoun tells @TermineRadio & @Jumpshot8 why Kemba Walker should be on an NBA roster pic.twitter.com/ZPOvvJoI8f
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) November 10, 2022
“He walks into a locker room, your team’s better,” Calhoun said of Walker. “He’s a tremendous person. He’s a leader. He was great, won 11 games in a row to win a championship with him as our leader. Kemba can still help a team, and I truly believe that, and I think it’s gonna happen. It looks to me like when something happens with a team — he’s already tried out for 2 people quietly — he’ll probably be signing with somebody.”
Walker, who played for the University of Connecticut, made a name for himself during the NCAA tournament in 2011. As Calhoun alluded to, the guard was instrumental in the school’s run to the national championship.
During that season, he recorded averages of 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
Walker’s performance in his junior season boosted his draft stock, resulting in a ninth overall selection by the Charlotte Bobcats, who are today known as the Hornets.
During his first five years in the league, Walker averaged 17.3 points and 5.3 assists per contest and didn’t make an All-Star team.
Walker had a breakthrough season in the 2016-17 campaign, where he earned an All-Star appearance. That marked the first of four consecutive All-Star selections for him.
After eight seasons in Charlotte, Walker landed with the Boston Celtics. He helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2019-20 season. Unfortunately, Boston lost to the Miami Heat in six games.
After that, the New York native played one more season with the Celtics before suiting up for his hometown team last season. He played in 37 contests for the New York Knicks due in part to knee problems.
Although it seems like Walker has what it takes to contribute, no team has signed him so far this season. Only time will tell if he can find a new home in the coming weeks or months.
