Iconic doesn’t bother with results. Despite very little success over the last 2 decades or so, the Charlotte Hornets still have a passionate fanbase. What the team lacks in success, it makes up for in fandom. But, that same fandom has given rise to some truly iconic names in Hornets lore. One man carried the franchise for over a decade. The other, Tony Parker, a certified legend, came to the team at the tail-end of his career.

While the two did not play much together, they did form a camaraderie. That bond was visible for all to see when the duo bumped into each other once again.

Tony Parker, meet the only man you ever played backup to

Over the past 2 decades, there hasn’t been a more prolific name in the franchise than Kemba Walker. Keeping the team relevant for almost a decade, Walker was the heart and soul of the team.

Whether it was leading the team to its rare playoff appearances or some truly spectacular individual performances, Kemba was a cult favorite. Due to his incredibly clutch performances, he would adopt the moniker of Cardiac Kemba in the NCAA. After turning Pro, he gave further credence to his unreal clutchness.

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But, one of the key reasons for the lack of success for Charlotte was rather simple. Throughout their run, no big-name acquisition came to the relatively small market team. While Gilbert Arenas used the same as a defense for the team’s lack of success, Tony Parker was the only man.

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Via trade with the San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte was able to acquire a bona fide legend in the last stages of his career. However, the one-time Finals MVP was rather limited in his single season with the franchise.

It was a rather special moment for Charlotte fans then, as the two former teammates embraced before a match in the EuroLeague. Parker, president of the French club ASVEL, has long been an ambassador for the European market. With Kemba joining the EuroLeague’s AS Monaco, fans can impact more interactions in the future between the pair.

It was, after all, under Parker’s guidance that Walker had his best season.

The 2018-2019 Charlotte Hornets

During his lone season there, Tony Parker was a big reason for the Hornets almost making the playoffs. Finishing with a 39-43 record, good for 9th in the East, the team fell just short. However, for Walker, individually, it was his best season to date.

Apart from averaging a career-high 25.6 points per game, he was also named to his first All-Star game as a starter. His 3rd All-Star game appearance tied Glen Rice for most in franchise history. But, as was the case throughout his run, it did not translate to team success.

With a new regime in place after Michael Jordan‘s sale, can a rather despondent franchise turn it around?

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