Kemba Walker played eight seasons in Charlotte, and there wasn't a single boo-bird to be heard when he made his return. After signing with the Celtics this summer, Kemba was a visitor in the Spectrum Center for the first time in his career on Thursday night, but there was no resentment from the home crowd at all.
Instead, the Hornets played a tribute video for Kemba that brought him to tears, and he received a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.
The Hornets also posted the full tribute video to Instagram.
Although Kemba was only able to reach the playoffs twice with the Hornets (a pair of first-round exits in 2014 and 2016), he established an impressive body of work despite a lack of talent around him at times. Charlotte drafted him with the 9th overall pick in 2011, and in the last three seasons, he’s rounded into an All-Star level player.
Even without team success, reports suggest that Kemba came close to re-signing in Charlotte this summer, and you can see the city has plenty of love for the guy. It’s nice to see that even when a star walks, it can be on good terms.
h/t Instagram/nba
