The Charlotte Hornets enter Wednesday’s matchup with the Orlando Magic at 17-14, the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference, and point guard Kemba Walker deserves a lot of credit for their success so far. The 26-year-old Bronx native and UConn product is following up last year’s career year with another one, posting career-best scoring, shooting and efficiency numbers while taking on an even larger creative role for head coach Steve Clifford.
On statistical merit, Walker’s got an awfully good case for a slot on the 2017 Eastern Conference All-Star team, but — despite the NBA’s best efforts — securing an All-Star berth remains a popularity contest.