Bringing Kemba Walker back to Charlotte was a “no-brainer” for Jeff Peterson and Char.

Kemba Walker has the most impressive resume of any player to have donned the Charlotte Hornets’ purple and teal uniforms. Point guard Jitterbug leads the team in numerous historical statistics, most notably minutes played, three-pointers made, and total points. Shortly after Walker announced he was retiring from professional basketball that summer, he signed and joined Charles Lee’s inaugural coaching staff on the team where he spent ten years.

According to Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson, the decision to bring Walker back home to Charlotte was a “no-brainer.”

When asked what the Hornets legend brings to the coaching staff, Peterson spoke enthusiastically about the first-time assistant coach. “I mean, Kemba, I feel like we stole something, that we were able to get him to come in and get some coaching experience. I don’t have to comment on the level of player he is. But his ability to connect with guys and teach them not only on the court, but just habits, right. What it took to have a career like he did for so long was really special. It’s nice to see his development from a coaching point of view as well. “

Professional basketball coaching circles are littered with former players, and Walker is the latest in a long line of NBA stars to step into coaching. Even though Walker is only 34 years old, his proximity in age to some of the Hornets’ key personnel has played a huge role in his desire to build relationships with them.

LaMelo Ball spoke in detail about his relationship with the former Hornets defenseman, whose footsteps he follows. “Kemba is a great guy. He was in his crib, I was in his crib, you know. I’m already learning from him.” The relationship between these two could be crucial in Ball’s development from a one-time All-Star to a permanent mainstay in the NBA’s elite.

Walker’s influence is felt more than just in the boardroom or on the board. The author of one of the greatest shots in Big East Tournament history can still do it by taking practice with Charlotte’s current squad. Veteran Seth Curry, who knows firsthand what it’s like to play against Walker in his prime, said the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer can still get baskets on command in between his mentoring moments.

“Kemba is great. His energy in the gym throughout September was great. He’s one of my favorite people in the league. Everyone loves him. I plan to rely on him for any advice and wisdom he can provide. He can spend time in the locker room. He is also one of the best on the team.

“He still has the first step. He’s still fast. We do some drills where we’re guarding the coaches and stuff, and he’ll turn on the cross animation and go around some people. I’ll show you a few flashes here and there.”

Curry had nothing but praise for his new coach. “But I think sometimes the knee holds him back,” he said jokingly after his glowing review of Walker.

Curry summed up his media presence with words that Hornets fans want to hear: “It’s still Kemba, man.” A franchise legend who provided stunning moments in an otherwise monotonous decade of Charlotte basketball deserves a chance to be a part of this franchise when it finally starts winning consistently. Fortunately, same old Kemba will be given a chance as an assistant coach and the franchise will be in a better position as a result.

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