PHOENIX SUNS

NBA Draft Profile: Kemba Walker

Jun 22, 2011, 9:59 PM | Updated: Jun 23, 2011, 5:53 pm

Kemba Walker was the player of the year in college basketball, the slight point guard is only 6-1, 184 lbs, but plays with a bigger heart than anyone. In his first two years Walker was scrutinized for not being what most viewed him to be. He was not passing enough, he was not scoring enough or he was not a leader.

All of those criticisms were put to rest this past season as Walker scored every point needed, leading Connecticut to a win in the National Championship.

Walker may be small, but his explosive speed and intelligence gave him the edge over any defender sent his way. All season no team or individual player slowed Walker down, he was able to get into the paint at will and thanks to his elite handle and much improved jump shot.

Walker’s size will be exploited at the next level mainly on defense. He is a quality defender and gives it his all, but you cannot make up for inches lost in the NBA.

Walker’s evolution to the player he is today was not an overnight transition, it came from three years of hard work and effort. He worked on his game to become a consistent shooter and a better leader. The Suns are in need of a point guard of the future, some question if Walker is that or another small scoring guard. His track record of adapting, growing and adding to his game is unmatched.

The NBA is his the next transition, will he take it in stride in purple and orange?

Phoenix Suns

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham...

Associated Press

Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham despite 2 playoff appearances in 2 years

The Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday after just two seasons in charge that included a playoff appearance each.

2 hours ago

Royce O'Neal chases a loose ball...

Kevin Zimmerman

Phoenix Suns offseason primer: Royce O’Neale’s contract, Bol Bol’s market among roster questions

The Phoenix Suns can bring back Royce O'Neale and Bol Bol, but it might not be easy for different contractual reasons.

3 hours ago

New York Knicks' Josh Hart reacts during the second half of Game 6 in an NBA basketball first-round...

Associated Press

Knicks advance past Sixers to reach Eastern Conference semifinals

Josh Hart hit the go-ahead 3-pointer to move the New York Knicks past the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the first round.

17 hours ago

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, right, gets a hug from teammate James Johnson after Game 6 ag...

Associated Press

Pacers knock out Bucks in 6 for 1st playoff-series win in a decade

The Indiana Pacers won a playoff series for the first time in a decade, beating the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 on Thursday night.

19 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Why are the Phoenix Suns being so elusive?

The Phoenix Suns held a press conference Wednesday for owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones, and Dan Bickley can't help but ponder why the organization is being so elusive about tabout the future of head coach Frank Vogel.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia (Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports)...

Kellan Olson

Suns remain confident, paint picture beyond bleak end to season

The Phoenix Suns officially concluded the 2023-24 season with a strange end-of-season availability for Mat Ishbia and James Jones.

2 days ago

NBA Draft Profile: Kemba Walker