Last season was a breakout year for the Charlotte Hornets and star point guard Kemba Walker. Walker had career highs in nearly every important category and led the Hornets to the playoffs and a 48-34 record.
This off-season Walker is taking on challenges off the court, he wrote an article for the Players Tribune about gun violence and social justice issues. He talked to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer about why he decided to speak up.
“It just had to be said. There are so many things going on in this world that are unbelievable. A lot of gun violence and police brutality.,” Walker said Wednesday.
“I have that platform now. People will read things I put out and I (wanted others to know) that I’ve got hope.”
This off-season has seen a lot of NBA players calling for an end of all violence. Walker also talked about kids at his youth basketball camp in Indian Trail, North Carolina.
“It’s very important to inspire the next generation. I want these kids to be as successful as possible,” Walker said.
“Not everyone is going to play basketball (professionally), but it’s not about that. These camps are about life lessons: making friends, working hard, learning how to pay attention. Small things that will help kids in their lives.
“A lot of kids don’t get a chance to be around NBA players a lot. So for me to be here for a few hours, interacting with these guys, is extremely fun.”
The Hornets are looking to build on a great season but they lost key players. One of those key players was Jeremy Lin. Lin will be starting with the Brooklyn Nets which is something Walker is happy about.
“I hate to see him go, but at the same time I’m definitely happy for him,” Walker said. “He deserves to be a starter in this league. He’s such a great player and he proved that last season. There were games where I was off and he carried the team.”
The Hornets lost Al Jefferson, Courtney Lee and Lin this off-season but Walker is a fan of additions. The Hornets added Roy Hibbert, Marco Belinelli and Roman Sessions. Walker knows Hibbert hasn’t been the same for a while but he is looking forward to sharing the court with him.
“I think, if he can get back to the level he once was at, he can be a huge help to us.”
With the new additions it will be interesting to see if the Hornets can repeat the success they had last season.
