WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Charlotte Hornets bossMichael Jordan said on Tuesday that he would listen to offers forpoint guard and one-time All-Star Kemba Walker, but any deal wouldneed to net a player with equal credentials.
"We bred him, we chose him, we groomed him to be a good playerfor us," Jordan was quoted by to the Charlotte Observer onTuesday.
"It's not like we are shopping him. We would not just give himup. I love Kemba Walker. I would not trade him for anything but anAll-Star player," Jordan said of Walker, who the Hornets draftedninth overall in 2011, to a great extent because Jordan saw traitsin Walker that reminded him of his own playing career.
"I certainly haven't given up on our best player. He's done ahell of a job of turning himself into an All-Star," Jordansaid.
Walker has played his entire six-year career with the Hornets,dating back to when they were formerly known as the CharlotteBobcats. He steadily improved multiple aspects of his game untilthis season. Unfortunately injuries have derailed the progress ofseveral teammates, forcing Walker to face constant defensiveattention that has in turn diminished his production andefficiency. Walker is currently averaging 21.7 points, 5.8 assistsand 1.2 steals per contest.
The Hornets are 19-26 and four games out of the final playoffberth in the Eastern Conference. Walker is the franchise's onlydrafted player to become an All-Star since Baron Davis received thehonor in 2002.
"I'm telling you I believe in my team," Jordan added. "I'mdisappointed in our record and I'm frustrated at times. But I'mtelling you I like everything about Kemba's work. I'm not justgoing to throw him away."