Kemba Walker. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Kemba Walker reveals key reason for accepting Hornets coaching job

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Jul 17, 2024 11:30 PM ET

One of the most beloved players in Charlotte Hornets franchise history is back in town in a different role. Former point guard Kemba Walker officially announced his retirement from basketball this summer, and one day later, it was announced he would join the team's coaching staff as a player enhancement coach.

The fit makes perfect sense for Walker, and his quick decision to join the team was positively impacted by the opportunity to work with the Hornets' current young point guard, LaMelo Ball. As Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports revealed, Walker had high praise for Ball in a recent interview, stating he's a huge fan of the 22-year-old. He also admitted getting to work with Ball was one of the reasons he accepted the job.

"I think we have the right pieces, starting with LaMelo, who I'm a huge fan of. Super excited to get the opportunity to work with him. [He's] one of the reasons why I said yes to the job," Walker said.

Walker went on to call Ball "special" and said that if Ball stays healthy, he can see the Hornets going really far.

Hornets legend Kemba Walker said having the opportunity to work with LaMelo Ball was a big reason why he accepted a role on their coaching staff:

“If that kid stays healthy, this organization has a chance to go really far.”

Walker will be a huge asset in Ball’s development. pic.twitter.com/jfgqbsTlHp
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 17, 2024

Ball, who was selected No. 3 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Hornets, has flashed tremendous potential throughout the early stages of his career. He's also improved statistically over each of his first four seasons; however, the last two were derailed by injuries. Ball played 36 games in 2022-23 and 22 in 2023-24. During his injury-shortened season last year, he averaged a career-best 23.9 points and 8.0 assists while flashing triple-double potential on a nightly basis.

The comments about Ball would be high praise for any player, but coming from someone like Walker, who had an impressive NBA career, makes them even more noteworthy. Charlotte has a young core with Ball and Brandon Miller, among others, so it could be a fun team to watch if they can put it all together sooner rather than later.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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