Since entering the league as the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, all Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker has known is losing, with his teams possessing a 104-208 record over the past four seasons.
Things are looking up for the franchise, though, as following an offseason spent revamping and retooling the roster with key additions Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lin, the team is prepared to make some noise in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
A 100-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday pushed the Hornets to 44-31 on the season, keeping them locked with the Atlanta Hawks for the third seed. Heading towards a postseason berth for just the second time in his career, Walker can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he won't be on the outside looking in once again.
"I’m tired of not being in the playoffs," Walker told The Vertical's Michael Lee. "I’m tired of having to watch the first round at home, not being a part of it. It’s a fun time for basketball. You know you get some national notoriety, of course. You want to be seen. You want to have fun. You want to play at the highest level. I don’t want to be there one year and then next year not make it. I want to be there every year."
It was during his rookie season when Walker was part of one of the worst teams ever, as the Hornets finished the shortened campaign with a record-low winning percentage (.106). Enduring those rough times strengthened Walker's resolve, and opened his eyes to who on the team was willing to put in the work to right the ship.
"People are always going to say things about the organization because we weren’t doing too well. It wasn’t a big deal at all," Walker said. "It's all about patience. It's tough, but a lot of teams go through bad years. To me, it's all about the guys who stay patient but keep working hard on their games. They're the only ones who can change it."
In 74 appearances, Walker is averaging 21 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 42.8 percent shooting. While not recognized with an All-Star nod in February, the 25-year-old Connecticut product doesn't feel he needs that level of recognition to validate himself.
"I really don’t care, honestly. I’m having the best year of my career in this league right now. So, I really don’t care if people notice me or not. I’m just trying to get to the playoffs. Like I always told guys, ‘The more we win, the more notoriety will come,'" Walker said. "We don’t really have any superstars or anything like that."
