Flagship signature of the summer transfer window in France, Kemba Walker is officially an AS Monaco player. For the official website of the principality club, the All-Star leader returned to the reasons which led him to sign on the Rock.
Who would have thought to see a player of the caliber of Kemba Walker come to France before the end of his career? No doubt that without the injuries that plagued his last years in the NBA, the quadruple All-Star would not have joined France. Without a club since a short stint at the Mavs in early 2023, Walker seemed to be running out of solutions at Uncle Sam. The lack of offers from NBA franchises did Monaco’s business. The leader passed by the Hornets, the Celtics or the Knicks also explained to the site of his new club that he felt very desired and that it motivated him to want to try this new challenge.
“The club was very interested in me and I just wanted to be part of a club that wanted me, that believed in me. I saw that the leaders believed that I could help them reach another level. This is what convinced me and pushed me to join Monaco. I just want to keep playing basketball at a high level, and Monaco allows me to do that.”
Having never played outside the borders of his country, Kemba Walker still made a few phone calls, just to find out what he was getting into. Faced with very positive feedback from several of his compatriots settled on the Old Continent, in particular on the competitiveness of European basketball, the former scorer of the Hornets has finished being convinced.
“I have only heard good things about the Euroleague. And I have many friends who play in this competition. One of my former college teammates and one of my closest friends, Shabazz Napier, gave me a lot of advice in making this decision.
“I know a lot of players who have played abroad and I have only heard good things about this competition. I can’t wait to fight on the pitch, it will be an extraordinary moment.”
Weighed down by injuries over the past 2-3 seasons, Kemba Walker wants to rediscover the pleasure of playing and stringing together matches. If the player admits that the injuries have been a very complicated moment for him, he assures that he is ready to start a new chapter, with an intact desire.
“It was really very hard for me, but I want to leave those difficult years behind me. That’s why I keep working and training hard. Like I said before, I love this sport so much that I don’t want to give it up yet. I don’t think I’m finished. I want to keep going until I can’t anymore. I want to have fun, to be surrounded by great people. I welcome this opportunity in Monaco, and I want to help build something”.
While he only signed for a year, does the leader imagine a return to the NBA for 2024? If the door is open, Walker seems at peace with himself regarding the Big League. If it comes so much the better, otherwise he won’t have nightmares.
“[Sur le fait qu’il pense revenir en NBA un jour] I’m not sure. I mean the NBA is obviously the main focus, but I played there for many years. For now I’m just focusing on my new adventure, this experience that awaits me with the new life I’m going to have. I am so excited and looking forward to this opportunity in Monaco. I’m really looking forward to discovering the city, the people, my teammates, the staff and everything that surrounds the club. We are going to live great moments. Can’t wait for it to start.”
Source texte : AS Monaco
2023-07-22 20:05:00
#wanted #club #believed
