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NBA Thanksgiving: What Every Team Has To Be Thankful For, Part 1

By Gerald Bourguet

November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) reacts to a basket in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Hawks 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets: Kemba Walker

Something like “defying expectations” or “Steve Clifford” would’ve worked here too, since no one expected the Charlotte Hornets to be this good after losing Courtney Lee, Jeremy Lin and Al Jefferson in free agency. But let’s be honest: Kemba Walker is the best part about Hornets basketball right now.

After being a fringe All-Star in the East last season, Walker is submitting his early claim for a spot on the 2017 All-Star roster, averaging a scorching hot 24.8 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game on .476/.438/.817 shooting splits.

Kemba’s consistency and three-point touch were the biggest problems with his game in the past, but early in 2016-17, it appears as though he’s ready to put those bugaboos behind him for good. Maybe Michael Jordan and the Hornets weren’t as bad at drafting as we once thought?