“Michael Jordan Traded Up For Me”: 6ft Kemba Walker Was MJ’s Preferred Choice Over Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson

Nithin Joseph | 07/12/2022
“Michael Jordan Traded Up For Me”: 6ft Kemba Walker Was MJ’s Preferred Choice Over Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson

Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players in NBA history. The man has won everything imaginable as a basketball player.

He has six NBA Championships, five MVPs, six Finals MVPs, DPOY, and an Olympic Gold Medal. A huge amount of success, which is in stark contrast to his career as a “general manager” with the Charlotte Hornets.

That’s right, while he was a brilliant player, as the owner of the Hornets, MJ has struggled. His draft picks in particular have always been hit or miss. Although, one hit was Kemba Walker.

Also Read: “Only Michael Jordan Is Allowed to Do This”: When $2.2 Billion Worth Legend Protected Krause from Bullying

Michael Jordan traded up for Kemba Walker because he liked his playing style

The 2011 NBA Draft was a big deal for the Charlotte Hornets. It was the year they selected possibly the greatest player in their franchise’s history, Kemba Walker.

The 6’0″ guard was selected with the ninth overall pick after Michael Jordan traded up to get him. His Airness was greatly impressed by Walker’s skill.

“They traded up for me, and everybody was saying that MJ did it and he wanted me,” said Kemba. “I ain’t gonna lie, that sh*t was crazy, like “Black Jesus” on the phone. I’m like, “Damn I’m about to play for MJ”, and then when I get there everybody is like, “MJ wanted you, he really wanted you! Cause of the way you play!”. I was like, “Damn!”.

In hindsight, the pick is questionable. After all, the Hornets passed up on both Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson for Walker. But, Kemba is still the all-time top scorer for the team. Although, he could be surpassed by another one of MJ’s best selections.

MJ hit a home run with a point guard selection yet again when he drafted LaMelo Ball in 2020

As mentioned earlier, Michael Jordan’s draft selections are always hit or miss. But, based on his track record, he might have a flair for picking up point guards. After all, he selected a heck of a successor to Kemba Walker when he drafted LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in 2020.

LaMelo could surpass Kemba in the coming years. Safe to say that MJ will be watching his career closely.

Also Read: “I Was Totally Afraid of Him!”: Billionaire Michael Jordan, Known for Making Opponents Quiver, Once Named the 1 Person Who Terrified Him

Post Edited By: Raahib Singh
Kemba Walker Michael Jordan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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