Reports: 4x All-Star has 'quietly' tried for 2 NBA teams, per his college coach
A recent report has mentioned that 4x All-Star Kemba Walker may be preparing for his return to the NBA. With his college coach Jim Calhoun speaking on the matter, the coach revealed that Walker had already tried out for two teams.
Kemba Walker has found himself in a rather precarious position over the course of the last two seasons. After joining the New York Knicks last season, the team had high expectations from the guard to contribute to their winning aspirations.
Unfortunately for the Knicks, Walker looked like a shadow of himself under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Additionally, consistent injuries kept him out of games and he was eventually excluded from the rotation. Walker ended up having a very poor season with his hometown team.
While he expected the situation to get better the following season, the 32-year-old found himself in murkier waters and was traded to the Detroit Pistons.
As things stand, the Pistons bought out Walker's contract after he cleared waivers. This means that as a free agent, the former All-Star is currently without a team.
On SiriusXM NBA Radio, Walker's college coach Jim Calhoun said that he has been mounting his return to the NBA:
"He walks into a locker room, your team’s better. He’s a tremendous person. He’s a leader. He was great, won 11 games in a row to win a championship with him as our leader.
"Kemba can still help a team, and I truly believe that, and I think it’s gonna happen. It looks to me like when something happens with a team, he’s already tried out for 2 people quietly. He’ll probably be signing with somebody.”
"He walks into a locker room, the team's better"
Hall of Fame Head Coach Jim Calhoun tells @TermineRadio & @Jumpshot8 why Kemba Walker should be on an NBA roster https://t.co/ZPOvvJoI8f
Kemba Walker has tried out for 2 mystery teams: ahnfiredigital.com/nba/kemba-walk…
Calhoun had some high praise for Walker's leadership. The guard played a vital role in leading the University of Connecticut to the 2011 NCAA championship.
Also Read: 3 potential landing spots for Kemba Walker if he's waived by Detroit Pistons ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season
NBA teams may not benefit from signing Kemba Walker
While it is good to see coaches praising their former students, Walker may not have as much to offer at this point in his career.
After a disappointing season with the New York Knicks, Walker's stock dipped as a contributing player in the league. He averaged just 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Walker is also known to be a defensive liability. This was evident during his time with the Knicks. Given the number of negatives on display, Walker may have a tough time finding teams.
However, there was some talk of a possible reunion between Kemba Walker and his former team, the Charlotte Hornets. While nothing has materialized yet, it could be an option for Walker to return to the league.
Also read: NBA Rumors: Charlotte Hornets interested in bringing former All-Star guard back