Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2019: 20 best players available

By Brendon Kleen

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 10: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on April 10, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 10: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on April 10, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Kemba Walker, G, Charlotte Hornets, Unrestricted

We all want Walker to leave Charlotte more than he seems to want to leave, unfortunately. Despite how our imagination can excite itself by thinking about Walker’s fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard, he seems content to take his paycheck with the Hornets and continue to shape his legacy in a small market that has not made the playoffs in half a decade.

He told The Athletic the Hornets are his top priority:

"“Oh no question, Charlotte’s definitely my first priority,” he said. “That’s where I’ve been for eight years and that’s all I know. Not many people get a chance to play for one NBA team throughout their career. When I go on my Instagram, I see, ‘Kemba leave! Kemba get out of Charlotte!’ People don’t understand, when they say you need to go ‘here’ and win, that winning is not guaranteed anywhere.”"

Charlotte is finally nearing the point when it can reset the roster and construct a better group of players around Walker. That time will come during the next contract the star point guard signs. Tony Parker just retired. They can move on from Jeremy Lamb this summer, and Bismack Biyombo, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams in 2020.

We could see a roster that makes a whole lot more sense over the next five years in Charlotte. Walker’s game ought to age fine, as he’s always found ways to overcome his lack of athleticism and has become an incredible shooter from all levels over the years.

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