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Kemba Walker named to Hornets coaching staff

Wed Jul 3 2:51pm ET
Field Level Media

Kemba Walker was named to the Charlotte Hornets coaching staff on Wednesday, one day after announcing his retirement from the NBA.

A four-time All-Star point guard, Walker was named player enhancement coach on new head coach Charles Lee's staff.

The Hornets announced Lamar Skeeter, Josh Longstaff, Chris Jent, Blaine Mueller, Ryan Frazier, Matt Hill and Jermaine Bucknor as Lee's assistant coaches, with Skeeter as his lead assistant. Skeeter spent the past 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz, rising to top assistant.

Walker was selected No. 9 overall by the Hornets in the 2011 draft.


He played eight seasons in Charlotte before signing a four-year, $141 million contract in July 2019 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics.

After two seasons with the Celtics, he bounced around the NBA and was traded and released twice before finishing his career with short stints with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks.

Walker, 34, played overseas in Monaco in the 2023-24 season and ended his NBA career with averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 33.1 minutes in 750 games (697 starts). He earned four straight All-Star nods from 2017-20, and was All-NBA third team for the 2018-19 season.

Player Notes
LeBron James Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Los Angeles Lakers' F LeBron James recorded a triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 116-106 win over the 76ers on Friday, Nov. 8.

Nikola Jokic Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 135-122 win over the Heat on Friday, Nov. 8.

Scotty Pippen Jr. Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Memphis' G Scotty Pippen Jr. recorded a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 128-104 win over the Wizards on Friday, Nov. 8.

Cade Cunningham Sat Nov 9 2:00am

Detroit Pistons' G Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a 122-121 win over the Hawks on Friday, Nov. 8.

Devin Vassell Sat Nov 9 12:00am

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (foot) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old is coming off a solid season, averaging a career-high in 68 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a stress fracture late in March and has been working his way back since. Without question, Vassell has untapped potential. While there's an excellent chance he'll be even more productive during the 2024-25 campaign, it could take him a few weeks to get back up to speed. With that said, It's unknown if Vassell will come off the bench or start in his first game back, whenever that will be. But he will likely see limited minutes, meaning Stephon Castle, coming off a 14-point, six-assist showing, could see at least a few more starts.

Zach LaVine Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (adductor) is questionable for Saturday's game in Atlanta. The 29-year-old last played in the win over Brooklyn on November 1, scoring 21 points while going 5-for-9 from behind the arc. However, he's missed the Bulls' previous three contests because of a right adductor strain. If LaVine can't return for Saturday's contest, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in three starts this season, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.

Immanuel Quickley Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Clippers. He hasn't played since the opener and has been on the shelf since because of a pelvic contusion. Fortunately, there's optimism the former Knick will be back soon, potentially as early as Saturday's game. It's unknown if Quickley will see limited minutes in his first game back, assuming he plays. But if he's not back on the floor, Davion Mitchell, averaging 10.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in eight starts this season, could continue to directly benefit.

Keyonte George Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Spurs. The 21-year-old has played well this season, averaging a career-high 15.6 points and 6.4 assists. But he's in danger of missing the meeting with San Antonio because of foot soreness. If George can't get on the floor, Jordan Clarkson would presumably take over his spot in the rotation, increasing his fantasy potential. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen could also benefit from a production standpoint without George in the equation.

Malaki Branham Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's contest versus the Utah Jazz. The 2022 No. 20 overall pick recorded a season-high 17 points in Thursday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. But he tweaked his ankle late in the game and is now questionable against a Jazz team with only one victory during the 2024-25 campaign. Branham has played relatively well this season. However, he's not a consistent fantasy producer, and even if he plays, his outlook won't be as favorable if Devin Vassell (foot) is back on the floor.

Jamal Murray Fri Nov 8 7:50pm

According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is expected to play versus the Miami Heat on Friday. Murray has missed three straight games after being placed in concussion protocol on November 1st after suffering a concussion versus the Timberwolves. If the 27-year-old's time on the court is limited on Friday, expect Christian BraunandPeyton Watsonto grab some of the minutes that could be potentially available.

Devin Booker Fri Nov 8 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) will play on Friday versus the Dallas Mavericks. The sharpshooter was a late addition to the injury report because of an illness. However, he's good to go. Bradley Beal (elbow) is also cleared to suit up, meaning fewer minutes and scoring opportunities will be available for guys like Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and Tyus Jones.

Bradley Beal Fri Nov 8 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Friday versus the Mavericks. The elbow injury isn't anything new, so most were aware that there was a good chance he'd be out there on Friday night. With Devin Booker (illness) also cleared to suit up, it should mean fewer minutes and scoring opportunities for Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones.

Grant Williams Fri Nov 8 6:50pm

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (back) will take the court against the Pacers on Friday despite dealing with some lower back soreness earlier in the day. He was initially listed as probable after sustaining the injury during Wednesday's win over the Pistons. With Miles Bridges (knee) out, the 25-year-old is expected to be part of the starting lineup. Across eight contests, Williams is averaging 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game.

Gary Trent Jr. Fri Nov 8 6:20pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (back) won't play in Friday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old began the season in the starting lineup. However, he's struggled this season, resulting in a demotion to the bench in favor of Andre Jackson Jr., who had seven points, four assists, and four steals in Thursday's win over the Utah Jazz. With that said, Trent wouldn't have been featured in most fantasy lineups, so his absence on Friday won't be much of a blow to managers.

Zion Williamson Fri Nov 8 6:10pm

According to Orlando Magic beat writer Adam Koffler, New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green announced that power forward Zion Williamson will not play in Friday's game against Orlando because of tightness in his left hamstring. The 24-year-old attempted to participate in the game on Wednesday but temporarily left due to an unspecified injury; however, he managed to complete the game. With Williamson unavailable, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Daniel Theis are expected to receive more minutes on the court.

T.J. McConnell Fri Nov 8 6:00pm

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (illness) won't play in Friday's matchup with the Hornets. The veteran was listed as questionable. But an illness will keep him off the floor against Charlotte. McConnell isn't a consistent fantasy producer, considering he has averaged 9.8 points and 4.1 assists this season. However, his absence could mean more work for Ben Sheppard, who will likely draw value attention from DFS managers on Friday evening.

Devin Booker Fri Nov 8 5:50pm

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) is now questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks. He's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will anxiously await an update regarding his availability. If Booker can't play, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (elbow) are the favorites to pick up the slack on the scoring end. At the same time, Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones could exceed expectations if Booker can't get on the floor.

Luke Kornet Fri Nov 8 5:50pm

Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (hamstring) won't play on Friday versus the Nets. With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) sidelined, Kornet has been getting some work from off the bench for the C's. However, he injured his hamstring in Wednesday's matchup with the Warriors and will now miss his first contest of the 2024-25 campaign. Al Horford will handle things in the middle. But there's room for Xavier Tillman Sr. to get more involved, although fantasy managers will be taking a risk by putting him in the starting lineup.

Goga Bitadze Fri Nov 8 5:40pm

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze will start in Friday's game versus the Pelicans. With Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) out again, Bitadze will remain with the first five. The 25-year-old has played well in his two starts this season, averaging 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals. While Bitadze's free-throw shooting could use some work, he remains a practical streaming option for fantasy managers against a New Orleans team plagued by injuries.

Jalen Duren Fri Nov 8 5:30pm

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) won't play in Friday's meeting with the visiting Hawks. He tweaked his ankle in Wednesday's one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets, limiting him to just eight minutes of work. Isaiah Stewart got more involved, finishing with seven boards, six assists, one steal, and one block. Duren's next chance to get on the floor will be on Sunday versus Houston. In the meantime, Stewart is worth streaming in any fantasy format, and he'll likely draw value attention from DFS participants. In addition, Paul Reed, who had 13 points in 12 minutes versus Charlotte, should be viewed as a risky, high-upside option.


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