This is not a typo: Charlotte is the East’s hottest team. So we talked to point guard Kemba Walker about his squad and his best season yet.
We admit it. We’ve trafficked in this narrative too—that the Cavaliers were shoo-ins to represent the East in the NBA Finals. But then they fired their coach. And then LeBron started subtweeting. And then the losses began to mount. All the while? A plucky team down in Charlotte quietly won 26 of 36 games, leap-frogged six teams in the standings and rode the ascension of arguably the NBA’s most improved player, Kemba Walker. We sat down with the Hornets’ point guard to talk about the dark days in Charlotte, his patented step-back J and, yes, the playoffs.
You were so upset about missing the playoffs last year. This season the team clinched with seven games to go. What were your emotions after making it?
It’s a huge deal. I’m excited. I’ve been through a lot with the organization. We made the playoffs two years ago, but it felt like such a long time since we’d been back. Like years and years. It was a moment. We’ve battled back from a lot this year. We’ve had injuries. We had a seven-game losing streak.
You’re the only guy from the ’11-12 Bobcats team, which set the record for having the worst winning percentage in history. Ever think about that time?
This story is from the April 25,2016 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 25,2016 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Rape Allegation Against Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Fame's Protective Shield
To be the world’s most famous athlete means Cristiano Ronaldo can appear on screens everywhere yet somehow elude the fallout from a rape allegation.
Michelle Waterson Reps More Than Herself In The Cage
MMA is a violent and unforgiving sport. But instead of shielding her young daughter from her career, Michelle Waterson is bringing her along every step of the way.
Kyler Murray Owns His Future In A Way No Other Rookie Has
As Kyler Murray decides which sport will win his talents, at least one thing is clear: He owns his future in a way no other rookie has.
Kyle Kuzma Turned A Sneaker Obsession Into A Legit Business Opportunity
No eight-figure shoe deal? No problem. The Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma walked his own path to sneaker supremacy.
Bryce Harper Is One Very Big Deal
He’s baseball’s best-known face and now its richest player. In this exclusive interview, the All-Star talks rejecting $300 million, recruiting Mike Trout and becoming a Phillie for life.
Kyler Murray - Will Past Be Prologue For The Possible Top NFL Draft Pick?
Sizable expectations? Kyler Murray’s got a few: go No. 1 in the draft, become a franchise player and—oh yeah— completely blow up decades of doctrine about short quarterbacks.
Eternal Champions
Seven months ago, Brazilian underdogs Chapecoense boarded a plane to play in the game of their lives. Instead, their biggest moment turned into a tragedy no one can forget.
What's In A Name?
With the founder of Bikram yoga facing assault allegations, it seems simple: Studios should distance themselves from his name. But it’s not so easy.
One Formula For Change
To inject excitement back into its races, Formula One needs more than a tweak or new twist—it needs to correct its course.
All About The Goals
U.S. national team hero and Chicago Red Stars defensive midfielder Julie Ertz shares her secrets for keeping her world-champion mindset.
