What if I told you one of the most impactful players in the league was never really mentioned among one of the best at his position? What if I told you one of the most exciting players in the NBA who has: crafty handles, the ability to stop on a dime, make clutch shots, and is capable of scoring sixty plus points receives barely any attention from the national media? What if I told you he was an All-Star just last year? What if I told you he would be a free agent in 2019 and would just be 29 by the start of next season? It’s hard to believe this could happen to any star player in the NBA especially one who is a proven All-Star; however, this is the exact position Kemba Walker finds himself in.
Kemba is a top three point guard in the Eastern Conference and one of the best in the league who receives little national media attention; though that may change soon enough…
Even the ever-underrated Damian Lillard receives more recognition and has been able to gain recognition off the court with commercials and his music. Kemba does not receive this same recognition and it is not due to lack of play on the court. Kemba has been voted to the All-Star game the past two seasons and both appearances were fully deserved. Last year the Charlotte Hornets were 27 games better with Kemba on the court, the year before that they were 30 games better when he was on the court. He is a phenomenal ball handler in the pick and roll and has ranked as one of the best so far this season. As loyal as Kemba is, how much longer can he handle staying in an organization that does not provide him the help he deserves? He has broken numerous records for the team and has done all he could to help them win without much assistance from the organization.
One thing to look forward to if you follow Kemba Walker is this upcoming free agency. There will be quite a few options for Kemba next off-season. He could stay with the Hornets who will likely offer him the super max; though, there is no guarantee he signs with them especially if it’s another season that ends in disappointment. Kemba has not received as much national media attention for his impending free agency but it’s not hard to see him having more than a few suitors this upcoming free agency period. The list below provides three interesting teams that could be an incredible fit for him:
Los Angeles Clippers
Kemba with the Los Angeles Clippers is really interesting. The Clippers will have an abundance of cap room next season and have three intriguing players that would still be under contract in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Montrezl Harrell and Louis Williams. Montrezl Harrell is especially fascinating considering how young he is and how he has been performing so far this year. Not the biggest names but they are immensely valuable role players that would be an excellent fit next to Kemba Walker. He could be the star player that helps the Clippers become THE team to watch in L.A.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a scrappy team that have found success with the elite level play of Victor Oladipo. They won 48 games last year and were fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers need a reliable secondary scorer who can consistently take pressure from Oladipo to score. Tyreke Evans was supposed to be the guy this season; however, he has regressed and only shot 39 percent from the field. Aaron Holiday has been intriguing when given the opportunity but he’s still young. Kemba would be just the piece they need to push this team to contender status.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers offer an intriguing option for Kemba Walker this upcoming year. They will need to pay Jimmy Butler next year but if they could find a way to rid themselves of Markelle Fultz’ contract then the numbers could work. This 76ers team is already intriguing with their big three of Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid, and Ben Simmons; adding Kemba Walker to the mix would push this team to another level. As good as Ben Simmons is, his shot is not developed enough to the point in which he can be trusted to create for himself in the half court. The Celtics last year showed there is a way to limit him even with his combination of athleticism, size, and basketball IQ.
