Glen Rice

Lore & Background

While his statistical output reflected the natural decline that comes with age for any player, Rice's impact extended far beyond the box score. He was revered by teammates for his work ethic and his ability to space the floor, drawing defensive attention that created opportunities for his teammates at the time. However, Rice was traded before Chris Paul was drafted in 2005, so the two never played together. His jersey number has not been retired or officially designated as a symbol of the team's commitment by the franchise.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed over the hardwood as Rice stepped onto the court for his first game in New Orleans, the energy of the crowd palpable despite the city's recent scars. He took his position on the wing, eyes locked on the rim, embodying the cool confidence that had made him a legend in Chicago and Orlando. With a simple catch-and-shoot motion, he released the ball; it swished through the net with the familiar sound of perfection, reminding everyone that even in new beginnings, greatness could still take root.

Reader's Guide

Glen Rice joined the New Orleans Hornets for the 2004-2005 season, bringing a wealth of experience from his illustrious career. During his brief stint, he averaged solid scoring numbers and provided crucial three-point shooting that helped balance the team's offense.

His arrival was significant as the franchise sought to establish credibility after moving from Charlotte. Rice served as a mentor to younger players, instilling professional habits and a winning mindset in the locker room during a challenging period for the organization.

Although he did not win major individual awards with New Orleans, his contribution helped lay the groundwork for future success. His legacy is remembered fondly by fans who saw him as a symbol of stability and high-level talent during the team's early years.

Did You Know?

• Glen Rice was an NBA All-Star three times (1991, 1993, 1997) before joining the New Orleans franchise.
• He won one NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000, and never played for the Chicago Bulls.
• Rice holds several scoring records from his time in the league, including a 56-point game.

High School Foundations

Kemba Walker's journey began in Harlem at Rice High School, where he quickly distinguished himself as a premier talent. A standout moment occurred during his junior year when he played at Madison Square Garden against Simeon Career Academy and future NBA star Derrick Rose, securing a narrow victory. By his senior season, Walker averaged 18.2 points and 5.3 assists per game, earning a spot on the prestigious McDonald's All-American Team. His development was further accelerated through the New York City Gauchos, an elite AAU program where he played alongside future Big East talents like Jordan Theodore and Darryl Bryant. This team achieved national recognition by finishing number one in the country. Walker's dominance caught the eye of major recruiting services; Rivals.com rated him as a five-star recruit, listing him as the nation's fifth-best point guard and fourteenth overall player in 2008. These early accolades set the stage for his collegiate success.

Collegiate Dominance

Walker arrived at the University of Connecticut with immediate impact, earning Big East All-Rookie honors during his freshman year despite starting only two games. He averaged significant playing time and helped the Huskies reach the Final Four. His sophomore season saw him start every game while averaging 14.6 points, though the team finished with a disappointing conference record. However, his junior year marked an explosion of national prominence. Walker became the nation's leading scorer, averaging 26.7 points per game, which earned him a cover spot on Sports Illustrated. He delivered a historic performance in the Big East tournament, scoring 130 points over five days to set conference records and win MVP honors. This included hitting a buzzer-beater against Pittsburgh and rallying UConn to the championship. His season concluded with consensus First Team All-American status, the Bob Cousy Award for top point guard, and leading his team to the NCAA title.

NBA Career Highlights

Selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2011 NBA draft, Walker immediately signed a lucrative shoe deal with Under Armour. He stepped into the starting lineup during his rookie season due to an injury to D.J. Augustin, participating in the Rising Stars Challenge despite the team's struggles. His sophomore year showcased his scoring potential as he hit his first career game-winner against Minnesota and recorded a then-career-high 35 points against Houston. Walker continued to develop into a clutch performer, notably hitting a buzzer-beater over Jonas Valančiūnas in overtime during the 2013–14 season. Over his tenure with Charlotte, he evolved into an All-Star caliber player, earning four selections to the NBA All-Star Game and one spot on the All-NBA Team. His reputation for excellence was further solidified by winning the NBA Sportsmanship Award twice, highlighting his character alongside his athletic prowess.

Legacy and Post-Playing Life

Kemba Walker's legacy is defined by his historic collegiate achievements and his transition into a respected figure within the NBA ecosystem. He remains the only men's basketball player in UConn history to be inducted into the Huskies of Honor, a distinction he earned immediately after leading the team to their 2011 national championship as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. His professional journey took him from Charlotte to stints with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks before concluding his playing days with AS Monaco in Europe, where he won an LNB Élite championship. Following his retirement as a player, Walker successfully pivoted into coaching. He currently serves as a player enhancement coach for the Charlotte Hornets, bringing his extensive experience back to the franchise that originally drafted him. His career trajectory from a Harlem high school standout to an NBA All-Star and finally a mentor represents a complete circle of basketball excellence.