The Charlotte Hornets had crossed Kemba Walker off their draft list but that changed when Michael Jordan watched him play during the Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament. The Hornets had already drafted D.J. Augustin and he was viewed at the time as their long-term solution at point guard.

Walker led UConn to the national championship in 2011 and Jordan was reminded of himself with his ability to hit clutch shots.

“Michael Jordan fell in love with Kemba because of how great Kemba was in the NCAA tournament, the source said. “Michael’s the greatest competitor of all time. Michael saw a little bit of the competitiveness that he had in Kemba. As good as Connecticut was at that time, they couldn’t have done it if Kemba hadn’t put that team on his back. I think Michael placed such a high value on that.”

Walker was selected ninth overall and he's since become Charlotte's franchise player.