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When people in Charlotte talk about Kemba Walker, they all say he was a game-changer for the Hornets franchise.
Walker wasn’t just the best player in franchise history; he was the heart and soul of their team. His relentless drive, leadership, and commitment to the game left a lasting impact that still resonates today.
Walker’s influence can be seen in his current role with the team, serving on head coach Charles Lee’s staff as a player enhancement coach. His presence alone has inspired today’s Hornets, like LaMelo Ball, who is working to rehab from two recent surgeries. “He had a great career and everything, so just to listen and learn from him is great.”
For Walker, it’s not about accolades anymore. It's about helping the next generation carry the torch.
Jeremy Lamb, Walker’s former teammate, recently shared stories on the Run Your Race podcast that highlight Kemba’s unique mentality.
Lamb recalled how superstitious Walker could be by once refusing to wear new shoes after a great game because he believed the worn-out pair had something to do with his performance. “You got 135 pairs of shoes in your crib,” Lamb told him. “Get some new shoes!” But Walker insisted, “Nah, I’m playing in THESE.”
There was even a time Walker urged Lamb not to cut his hair, fearing it might throw off the team’s good energy. It was the kind of attention to detail that reminded many of Kobe Bryant’s famously intense routines. Kemba’s mindset wasn’t just about talent. It was about tapping into every edge.
Walker is the Hornets’ all-time leader in points and once dropped 60 in a single game, which is still a franchise record.
Though often the smallest player on the court, he played with unmatched passion and toughness. In Charlotte, his legacy lives on not just in the record books, but in the hearts of those who witnessed his greatness.
Continue reading...
Walker wasn’t just the best player in franchise history; he was the heart and soul of their team. His relentless drive, leadership, and commitment to the game left a lasting impact that still resonates today.
Walker’s influence can be seen in his current role with the team, serving on head coach Charles Lee’s staff as a player enhancement coach. His presence alone has inspired today’s Hornets, like LaMelo Ball, who is working to rehab from two recent surgeries. “He had a great career and everything, so just to listen and learn from him is great.”
For Walker, it’s not about accolades anymore. It's about helping the next generation carry the torch.
Jeremy Lamb, Walker’s former teammate, recently shared stories on the Run Your Race podcast that highlight Kemba’s unique mentality.
Lamb recalled how superstitious Walker could be by once refusing to wear new shoes after a great game because he believed the worn-out pair had something to do with his performance. “You got 135 pairs of shoes in your crib,” Lamb told him. “Get some new shoes!” But Walker insisted, “Nah, I’m playing in THESE.”
️ Jeremy Lamb on Kemba Walker: "He was definitely different."
"He ripped his shoes, and he had like 35 of them, then he wore them the next game. I'm like, 'Bro, you got 135 pairs of shoes in your crib. Get some new shoes!' He was like, 'Nah, I'm playing in THESE.'" pic.twitter.com/adLWPnsG3S
— r/CharlotteHornets on Reddit (@HornetsReddit) April 22, 2025
There was even a time Walker urged Lamb not to cut his hair, fearing it might throw off the team’s good energy. It was the kind of attention to detail that reminded many of Kobe Bryant’s famously intense routines. Kemba’s mindset wasn’t just about talent. It was about tapping into every edge.
Walker is the Hornets’ all-time leader in points and once dropped 60 in a single game, which is still a franchise record.
Though often the smallest player on the court, he played with unmatched passion and toughness. In Charlotte, his legacy lives on not just in the record books, but in the hearts of those who witnessed his greatness.
Continue reading...