Kemba Walker Thanks Hornets, Michael Jordan: 'I Owe Charlotte Everything'
All-Star point guard Kemba Walker penned a thank-you letter to the Charlotte Hornets organization and owner Michael Jordan in a Players' Tribune essay published Monday.
On Sunday, Walker agreed to terms on a four-year, $141 million max contract with the Boston Celtics. The deal ends Walker's eight-year stint with the Hornets.
"I owe Charlotte everything, man," he wrote. "Everything.
He added,& Charlotte….. you are my people forever. You’re family, straight up. I love you."
In his piece, Walker explained that he was especially grateful for a conversation Jordan had with him after Charlotte selected the UConn product with the ninth pick in the 2011 draft.
"Kemba, we believe in you," Jordan told Walker, according to his retelling. "I want you to know that. We believe in you, and we expect great things.”
Walker, 29, has been named an All-Star three straight seasons. He averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game last year.
Jordan also thanked Walker for his contribution to the team.
“On behalf of the entire Hornets organization, I want to thank Kemba for eight incredible seasons with our franchise," Jordan said in a statement. "He always represented the Hornets, the NBA and the city of Charlotte with class – both on the court and in the community – and we are disappointed he is leaving. He’s a special player, with a tremendous heart and tireless work ethic. Kemba is truly one of the best to ever play for our team. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
