Every NBA team’s MVP, from Kevin Durant to LeBron James
By Tom West
Charlotte Hornets: Kemba Walker
Al Jefferson’s decline has been sudden. He’s had some leg troubles to deal with over the last couple of years, but his field goal attempts and general impact all around has fallen a great deal. In 2013-14 he was putting up 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, and emerged as a MVP candidate for a late surge at the end of the season. Now, he’s battling with a left calf injury and his production has plummeted to 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds a night.
It’s a shame to see, although while that’s the case, it’s hard to deny that Kemba Walker is the Hornets’ new MVP.
As is the case for so many talented point guards right now, they get overshadowed by the plethora of superstars at their position. Walker attacks the rim well, he has a solid mid-range game, he pushes the pace, and he’s quietly having the most efficient season of his career. His field goal percentage (43.8), three point percentage (36.6) and PER (20.1) are all career-highs and have increased significantly since last year.
No, Walker does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the NBA’s top point guards. His defense isn’t great and he isn’t a prolific enough scorer or passer to make up for it. Yet, as a team who have started surprisingly strong as the 5th seed in the East, Walker still gets the nod over their new arrival Nicolas Batum as the Hornets’ MVP.
Next: Atlanta Hawks