Kemba Walker is keeping that positivity alive and breathing despite uncertainty still pumping in his NBA career.
Appearing on the Boston Celtics-Charlotte Hornets preseason match last Friday, Walker details that he is still capable to play at the highest level, but reiterates that he’s not rushing the process to find a new team that will cater his production.
“I’ve got something in the tank for sure,” he said, via Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “I feel great. I’m going to be honest. I’m going to have my opportunity. I’m not in any rush right now. I’m just grinding and trying to feel as good as I can. And right now, I feel great. I feel as good as I’ve felt in a long time. I’m just waiting for the opportunity.”
Walker, who remains away with the Detroit Pistons after being shipped by the New York Knicks last offseason, is expected to be released by the club before the 2022-2023 regular season starts.
A former NBA All-star who dazzled the fans with his acrobatic finishes and jaw-dropping handles, Walker is now a shell of his former self after previous bouts with knee issues. Due to these challenges he experienced, he stands aware willing to play on a minimal role now — very much distant to what he is portraying from the past.
“I just want to be able to play basketball again; I don’t care if it’s the bench or not,” Walker said. “I started off my career playing basketball coming off the bench. Who cares? I just want to be able to play ball like I love to do, being around some great, great teammates and just have fun.”
One of the teams that were rumored to potentially land him is the Charlotte Hornets, the club that drafted him back in 2011 NBA Draft, developed him into a star combo guard and became his home for almost 10 years.
Per Walker, he would welcome a reunion with the Hornets, but claimed that things are yet to be seen on the next moments to come.
“That would be special,” Walker said about a probable return to the Hornets. “(But) as far as closing my career, I’ve got a few more years left, in my opinion, so I’m not thinking about that yet. We’ll see. I’m just waiting. (Nobody’s) reached out to me. I’m just waiting.”
