The Charlotte Hornets – even in the midst of a dismal 14-23 season – go as point guard Kemba Walker goes.
He leads the team in scoring with 21.4 points per game, but more than that, he’s the Hornets’ emotional leader. When he missed a few games earlier this season with a shoulder contusion, teammates said the lack of energy without him was palpable.
More than that, he’s steadily improved since being the No. 9 overall pick in 2011, fresh off a national championship with Connecticut, and last season was rewarded with his first All-Star nomination. He hasn’t been quite that good this year, but still he was been the Hornets’ most important player.