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NBA Player Power Rankings: All-Stars And Snubs Form The Top 20

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after the San Antonio Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-115 at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after the San Antonio Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-115 at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Power Rankings
Jan 21, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) talks to head coach Steve Clifford during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets

Position: Point Guard
Age: 26 (5/8/1990)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .457/.411/.827
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.8 MPG, 23.0 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.8 3PM

Kemba Walker has proven thought the 2016-17 NBA regular season that he’s more than just the product of a system. The Bronx, New York native has been the best player on a postseason-caliber Charlotte Hornets team.

Head coach Steve Clifford has routinely turned to Walker during big moments and the former UConn star has consistently answered the call.

Walker began this past week with a signature performance against Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors. He posted 32 points and eight assists in 29 minutes on 11-of-16 shooting from the field and a 6-of-9 performance from 3-point range.

It’s performances like the one he had against Toronto that helped Walker earn his first career All-Star appearance.

Walker has earned this distinction by being one of the most clutch, efficient, and valuable players in the NBA. He’s No. 3 amongst Eastern Conference point guards in Real Plus-Minus and is No. 13 in the NBA in Offensive Real Plus-Minus.

Most importantly, the 23-23 Hornets have net ratings of +5.4 with Walker on the court and -6.3 when he isn’t—a difference of 11.7 points per 100 possessions.