NBA

Kemba Walker’s college coach Jim Calhoun reveals the veteran guard has ‘quietly’ tried out for 2 teams

Published by
Orel Dizon

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, 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.

Orel Dizon

Orel's passion for sports stems from following Michael Jordan’s last title runs with the Chicago Bulls and his namesake Orel Hershiser’s Cleveland Indians tenure in the late 1990s.

Published by
Orel Dizon

Recent Posts

Sources: Bucks brass now regrets firing Adrian Griffin and hiring Doc Rivers

If the Milwaukee Bucks could go back in time and not fire Adrian Griffin for…

3 weeks ago

Sources: Some members of Rockets regret Kevin Durant trade

Some members of the Houston Rockets regret trading for Kevin Durant last offseason, sources told…

1 month ago

Sources: Milwaukee Bucks expected to pursue trade for Kawhi Leonard this offseason

The Milwaukee Bucks are expected to pursue a trade for Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi…

2 months ago

Maxx Crosby says winning is all that matters to him: ‘I want to win more than anything on this planet’

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby only cares about winning. The five-time Pro Bowler…

2 months ago

Terron Armstead says the 2023 Dolphins were a ‘Super Bowl team’ if healthy

The Miami Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game in more than two decades, but former…

2 months ago

NBA coach who’s worked with Kevin Durant: ‘It’s like he is unhappy all the time’

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been the subject of allegations related to a burner…

2 months ago