NBA Free Agency 2019: Most impactful signings of the summer

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2019 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 09: Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to block Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 09, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

3. Kemba Walker — Boston Celtics

On the court, Kemba Walker won’t be that much different than the guy he’s replacing in Beantown.

Walker is a high-scoring guard who can create his own shot off the dribble and has greatly improved his outside shooting. He was also one of the highest usage players in the league last season, coming in ninth with a 31.5 usage rate.

Guess who wasn’t far behind? Kyrie Irving, with a 29.6 usage rate for a disappointing Celtics team last season. While Boston essentially swapped one high-scoring point guard for another when the free agency bell rung, there is one major difference that separates Walker and Irving that will also be the most impactful.

Walker is a leader, and the Celtics desperately needed a leader this offseason.

Boston’s dysfunctional 2018-19 season all boiled down to Irving’s lack-of-leadership, and with Walker, that won’t be an issue. When it was time to take over the leadership duties with the Charlotte Hornets, Kemba did it in stride, and he’ll be asked to do the same in Boston for at least the next three years.

With a star who actually wants to lead in the locker room, the Celtics could be a far more harmonious team than they were last season, which would be a huge impact for the young Celtics.

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