“That sh*t was crazy bro” – Kemba Walker reveals how DESPERATELY Michael Jordan wanted him in Charlotte

From "Cardiac Kemba" to uncertain future: Kemba Walker's journey and the desperate pursuit by Michael Jordan.

“That sh*t was crazy bro” – Kemba Walker reveals how DESPERATELY Michael Jordan wanted him in Charlotte

Michael Jordan and Kemba Walker (Getty and AP)

The remarkable determination of basketball icon Michael Jordan to bring Kemba Walker to Charlotte was recently highlighted by the talented American player himself. The revelation made by Walker offers valuable information about the strong attachment shared between a player and an owner and highlights the great efforts Jordan was willing to make in order to acquire a player he had complete trust in.

In the 2011 NBA Draft, Walker was chosen by the Charlotte Bobcats (currently called the Charlotte Hornets) with their ninth overall pick, marking a challenging initiation for him. The team struggled, finishing with a dismal 7-59 record in his rookie season, but Walker remained resilient. Gradually, he showcased his scoring prowess and became known as “Cardiac Kemba” for his ability to score in clutch moments.

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During a recent interview, Walker stated that he was not aware beforehand that Charlotte would choose him in the draft, but the team orchestrated a trade to guarantee his inclusion. He mentioned that there was widespread belief in Michael Jordan‘s significant involvement as the team owner and a genuine desire to have him on the team.

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“Somebody promised [to draft] me, but they passed up on me, which is cool… But Charlotte, I had no idea I was going there… They traded up for me, and everybody was saying [Michael Jordan] did it, and he wanted me…….that sh*t was crazy bro!” he revealed.

Over time, Walker’s skills got better and he had a standout season in 2016-2017, which earned him his initial All-Star recognition. In spite of being part of a struggling team, Walker showcased his remarkable talent and received an All-NBA team nod in the 2018-2019 season.

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The Enigma of Kemba Walker: Veteran PG struggles to find a team

Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

After years of frustration with the lack of team success in Charlotte, Walker requested a trade. A sign-and-trade deal brought him to the Boston Celtics during the 2019 offseason. He experienced relative success with the Celtics, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, but injuries and a decline in performance marked his later seasons with the team.

Despite posting remarkable career statistics of scoring an average of 19.3 points, grabbing 3.8 rebounds, and dishing out 5.8 assists per game, Walker’s absence from the NBA has raised doubts about his future in the league. Walker repeatedly emphasized his preference for remaining in Charlotte throughout the 2018-2019 season.

However, the final decision rested with the Hornets organization. They needed to consider if meeting Walker’s contractual demands was feasible and assess their ability to construct a victorious team centered around him. Following that period, Walker’s career has experienced a downturn, featuring limited outings in recent years and uncertainty surrounding his prospects in the league.

Although the fierce competition posed by numerous talented and youthful players in his position presents a challenge for him to secure a spot on an NBA team, his veteran presence and wealth of experience could prove valuable to a team seeking a seasoned player. While it is evident that Walker’s peak performance may be behind him, devoted fans of the sport still hold vivid memories of his illustrious career as one of the foremost point guards in the NBA.

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