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Boston Celtics: Kemba Walker cherishing USA basketball experience

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 26: Kemba Walker of the USA warms up before the International Friendly Basketball match between Canada and the USA at Qudos Bank Arena on August 26, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 26: Kemba Walker of the USA warms up before the International Friendly Basketball match between Canada and the USA at Qudos Bank Arena on August 26, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) /
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All-Star guard Kemba Walker has yet to suit up for the Boston Celtics but is already showing he is going to be a humble leader for the team in 2019-20.

After the Kyrie Irving experience, there is no doubt Boston Celtics fans are going to embrace both the character and professionalism of Kemba Walker.

While there is no doubt Irving is a special talent, what Walker brings to the Celtics will be a greater value to a team led by the young core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart.  Not only will he bring the intensity, he will bring a since of humbleness that will certainly make the Celtics a much more competitive team than people think.

Speaking of that young core, Walker is already forming chemistry with his new teammates as the four are part of the U.S. men’s national basketball team in competition for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

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In helping lead the team to 88-67 victory over the Czech Republic in Game 1 of the first round of the tournament, Kemba Walker went 6-of-8 from the field in scoring 13 points.  He also watched his new teammate, Jayson Tatum, provide some highlights in the victory.

As good as it was to be successful in his first game of FIBA competition, what humbled Walker was the fan recognition and support he got when he stepped on the court in China.

"“To know you have fans in other places, especially me, it was very humbling,” Walker told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst following the game.  “It’s just a great feeling.”"

It’s a feeling Walker will have to get used to being one of the stars of a team as recognized as the Boston Celtics.  It’s also a feeling he is ready for.  Whether good or bad, he will be under the spotlight in Boston just as he as a participant of Team USA.

In not taking this experience for granted, Kemba Walker is appreciating his role on the team as it is already the furthest he has gone on the international stage.

"“This is something I’ve been looking forward to being a part of for a long time,” Walker continued.  “It’s special to be a part of this team.  I’ve been a part of USA Basketball for years, I was on a couple Select Teams where I didn’t get this far.  I appreciate it.”"

That same appreciation for the game will translate to the 2019-20 regular season.  The high scoring All-Star already said being a part of playoff team is something he is looking forward to.  He will certainly get that opportunity with the Boston Celtics still being considered one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Next. Boston Celtics: 3 serious reasons team can win 2019-20 NBA title. dark

After a humbling experience in 2018-19, the entire team will go into the season appreciating every aspect of competing with Kemba Walker now leading the way.

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