Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Kemba Walker’s Players’ Tribune column

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: Langston Galloway #9 of the Detroit Pistons watches as Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up the court during their game at Spectrum Center on December 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: Langston Galloway #9 of the Detroit Pistons watches as Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up the court during their game at Spectrum Center on December 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Kemba Walker (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Kemba Walker (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

“I’m a leader in every way”

One of the values in obtaining a player like Kemba Walker for the Boston Celtics is that his presence and leadership on the court will allow the young players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to take that next step.

In an offseason in which the team has lost Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, the team has put its faith that these two young players will break out and reach their expectations.

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Will it happen in 2019?

After a disappointing season in which some could say both Tatum and Brown took a step backwards, perhaps both players have actually improved by learning from the experience.  In Kemba Walker, they now have a player who will actually lead by example and not call them out in public like Irving did.

In fact, the following words from Walker appear to be a direct shot at the Brooklyn Nets new star.  Furthermore, a boost of belief in the players he will be joining.

"“I’m a leader in my own way,” Walker writes.  “I’m never going to shout anyone off the court or get overly negative.  It’s not my style.  But what I do is I take pride in making my teammates better – I’m that lead by example type.  I like to keep it direct.”"

Being direct and not throwing subtle hints through the media will build the confidence of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and the other young players on the team.  Having a leader who believes in them and trusts them is the security blanket they need as younger players finding their stardom.

In all, leadership is a trait, not an easily learned behavior.