The folder Miles Bridges, accused of domestic violence and child abuse, has logically captured all the attention of the Charlotte Hornets. Until now inactive at the Free Agency, they are beginning to look into their offseason. In particular, they plan to sign Kemba Walker or Isaiah Thomas, according to The Athletic.
The front office is apparently looking for a double LaMelo Ball in the lead and would consider these two veterans as viable options. A good way to add experience to a workforce that aims for the playoffs next year.
Kemba Walker, the choice of nostalgia
Walker, the 9th pick of the 2011 draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, has already spent eight seasons in the franchise. He had the best years of his career there, crowned by three selections to the All-Star Game.
Prior to his move to the Celtics, the point guard averaged 25.6 points, 4.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 2018-19. All at 35.6% at three points, after two years around 39%. The Hornets thus keep a very good image of their former franchise player.
This season has been of a different caliber, unfortunately. In 37 games with the Knicks, Kemba Walker is down to 11.6 points and 3.5 assists per game. Average percentages and a negative impact on defense quickly knocked him out of New York’s rotation. He is now looking, at 32, for an opportunity to relaunch in the big league. And what better setting than Charlotte for that?
Isaiah Thomas, finally some semblance of stability at the Hornets?
Isaiah Thomas also has the goal of reinvigorating his career. Since leaving the Celtics in 2017, the “goblin” has played for eight different teams. A former All-Star too, he hopes to find some stability in his sporting life.
Last year, the 1.70 m point guard showed great things with the Hornets. He was shooting 8.3 points in 12.9 minutes per game off the bench, in a role similar to what the franchise appears to be looking for this summer. In particular, he made the difference in the locker room by guiding the youngest.
Mitch Kupchak, president of basketball operations, remains patient. He is waiting to see how the case of Miles Bridges, who has pleaded not guilty, will evolve.
LaMelo Ball finally gets his dream Hornets number back
