“Felt Like an Idiot”: Kemba Walker Retirement Has Jalen Brunson Relieved But Hornets Legend Isn’t Done Haunting Him

It seems like Jalen Brunson just drank a truth potion. Or maybe he just made good on his word. Whatever the case, the Knicks superstar revealed something he apparently had been dodging. And it’s related to the former NBA star, Kemba Walker. A little too soon to be calling Walker former, honestly. But the 34-year-old is not part of the league anymore.

At least not as a player. The last season saw the veteran guard take his skills overseas to play for the French registered basketball club AS Monaco. In the 26 games Kemba played with Monaco, he started just one, averaging 4.4 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 rebounds. Suffice it to say that he played sparingly.

So, what was it exactly that Brunson wanted to share with us? In the latest episode of the Roommates Show, Brunson admitted that Walker’s retirement was happy news for him. “Because this is the one player who I dreaded playing against and guarding in my career,” he said truthfully. “Man, Kemba used to make me look stupid. Even if it maybe didn’t look stupid, I felt like an idiot guarding him.”

“I just felt like, ‘What am I doing out here?’ I don’t know, I would rather take a charge on Zion going full speed than having to guard Kemba.” Taking on a healthy 6’6 284-pound Zion Williamson at full speed isn’t exactly a position many would relish. Unless you are Shaq or someone with similar proportions. So, for Jalen Brunson, a 6’2 190-pound point guard, to “dread” playing against a 6’0 184-pound Kemba Walker speaks volumes.

However, is it too early for Brunson to breathe a sigh of relief?

Jalen Brunson might not have to go head-to-head with Kemba Walker anymore, but he is not completely rid of him, either

A day after announcing his retirement, the Hornets legend joined the team that drafted him as a player enhancement coach. He will be joining the staff of newly appointed head coach, Charles Lee, as the ‘Queen City’ looks to change its narrative in the upcoming season.

Walker spent 12 seasons in the NBA, primarily playing with the Charlotte Hornets. In fact, he holds the position of all-time leader in four different categories with the Hornets – points, 3-pointers, win shares, and minutes played. Aside from these, the 4x All-Star ranks second in assists, third in steals and games played, and finally, eighth in rebounds in franchise history.

A 21-year-old Kemba Walker had entered the league as a highly touted prospect, in the wake of illustrious high school and collegiate accolades. While it’s true the 2011 NCAA champion made an impact, his professional basketball path was hard, dotted with injuries and inconsistencies. After eight successful seasons with the Hornets, Walker spent two seasons with Boston, and two one-year stints each with the Knicks and Mavericks.

So, Brunson won’t have to guard or worry about Kemba making him feel like an idiot. But he definitely will have to face Hornets players whom the same guy will be training. Just for the final touch, here’s Josh Hart’s encounter (indirect) with Walker. “I remember zo [Lonzo Ball] saying for the first time when we played him. He was like, ‘Dawg, this dude fast as hell!’ I’m like, ‘Dang! Lonzo athletic as hell, too. So for Zo to be saying this…’” he didn’t even complete the sentence.

That’s Kemba Walker for you, ladies and gentlemen!

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!