This past offseason, 29 year old, Kemba Walker faced the toughest decision of his NBA career. He had to choose between staying loyal to the team that drafted him, the Charlotte Hornets, and, a team with NBA championship aspirations, the Boston Celtics. The All-Star point guard chose the latter.
With the departure of, another All-Star point guard, Kyrie Irving the Celtics won’t be worried about who is leading their team this season. Some say that Walker is a downgrade from Irving, while statistically he is, Walker is a much needed upgrade for this organization.
During the 2018-2019 NBA season Kemba Walker averaged 25.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, while shooting 35.6% from behind the arc and 43.4% overall. Also adding 84.4% shooting from the free throw line. Kyrie Irving, on the other hand, averaged 23.8 points, 5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and shot 40.1% from the 3pt line and 48.7% overall, adding 87.3% from the free throw line. Statistically Irving has a slight advantage in every area besides points.
However stats aren’t the only thing important in being a leader on a team with goal of a championship. Walker is well familiar in leading a team to a championship as he did for UConn in 2011, carrying the team on his back to both a Big East and a National Championship. Walker was also the recipient of the 2017 and 2018 NBA Sportsmanship award, which is given to the player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court with ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity.
