Hoops Habit
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2019 NBA free agency: 5 players in need of a change of scenery

By Daniel Lubofsky

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics moves the ball against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of a preseason game at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics moves the ball against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of a preseason game at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

1. Kemba Walker

Since being drafted back in 2011, Kemba Walker has spent eight seasons as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. During that time, the team has crossed the 40-win threshold just twice — their only two playoff appearances — with an average total of just 32.9 wins per season.

Walker loves the city of Charlotte. It’s the only franchise he’s ever known and the place that’s helped turn him into a three-time All-Star who averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game this past season. It’s also an organization with little financial flexibility thanks to a number of ridiculous contracts that inspire little team-constructing confidence moving forward.

Not including impending free agents, Nicolas Batum, Bismack Biyombo and Marvin Williams are the highest-paid players on the Hornets roster right now, with an average salary of roughly $19 million. None posted a Player Efficiency Rating above the league-average 15.0 this past season, the highest among them being Biyombo in just 14.5 minutes per game.

This doesn’t include the contracts given out to Cody Zeller ($14.4 million), Jeremy Lamb (a free agent at $14.4 million) or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist ($13 million). This trio has been solid at best over the course of their respective careers. None, however, has managed to play up to his contract or come close to providing Walker with the supporting cast necessary to compete at a playoff level.

Kemba turns 30 next May. As a diminutive 6’1” point guard, he’s only got so much time left before his game begins to descend. He also came out publicly and stated that the chance to win will be his No. 1 priority as a free agent.

Next. 2019 NBA free agency: 5 players most likely to be overpaid. dark

Loyalty is a great part of sports, but it should never be required from either side of the equation. Charlotte can offer Walker over $80 million more than any other team with an extra year on his next deal. If he’s serious about winning, though, no amount of money from the Hornets should make up for the den of mediocrity he’d firmly place himself in upon re-signing.