October 30, 2014 – Charlotte Hornets General Manager Rich Cho announced today that the team has signed guard Kemba Walker to a multi-year extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Today is a great day for the Charlotte Hornets,” Cho said. “To be able to retain such an important piece of the core we are building here in Charlotte is exciting. Kemba is an integral part of the culture we’re trying to create within our organization and we are excited that he will continue to be a part of our team for years to come.”
The 6-1 Walker was selected by Charlotte ninth overall of the 2011 NBA Draft and has appeared in 221 games, including 180 starts over his three-year career. He has averaged 16.0 points, 5.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 32.9 minutes. Charlotte improved its win total in each of Walker’s three seasons.
Last season, Walker averaged a career-high-tying 17.7 points and career highs of 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 35.8 minutes. He finished the season tied for 13th in the NBA in assists, tied for 17th in minutes played, ranked 20th in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.64) and ranked 27th in free-throw percentage (.837). Walker has improved his averages in assists, rebounds and minutes played, as well as his three-point and free-throw percentages, in each of his three seasons. Before missing time last season due to an ankle injury, he appeared in 190 consecutive games to begin his career. In 2012-13, Walker was one of five players in the NBA to lead his team in scoring (17.7), assists (5.7) and steals (2.0).
“It’s rewarding to continue my career with the team that drafted me,” Walker said. “Since my first day in Charlotte, I knew that this was where I wanted to be. I am excited about the direction in which this franchise is headed and I’m confident that we will only get better. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent this organization, our fans and this city moving forward.”