The Charlotte Hornets are running things back with their coaching staff this NBA season. After agreeing to a deal with Kenny Atkinson to replace James Borrego, he had a change of heart not even a week later. Atkinson will be returning to the Golden State Warriors as an assistant for the 2022-23 season.

Left scrambling, the Hornets decided to hire a familiar face as their head coach, bringing back Steve Clifford. Clifford was head coach of the team from 2013-18, compiling a regular season record of 196-214 with two playoff appearances.

With Clifford back on the sidelines, could we see his former starting point guard back on the court leading the team as well? According to Shams Charania of The Athletic/Stadium, that reunion is something we could see.

Charania is reporting that the Hornets could bring back Kemba Walker as a free agent this offseason, as they have a need for a backup behind LaMelo Ball. Isaiah Thomas, who played well with Charlotte near the end of last season, is also still under consideration.

This is likely going to be a slow development as the Hornets are being patient with their roster moves. The team is waiting to see what happens with Miles Bridges, who was charged with felony domestic violence and child abuse earlier this offseason.

Walker spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Hornets, making three All-Star games. He departed as a free agent in 2019, signing with the Boston Celtics to replace Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately for Walker, injuries have overcome him since that time.

After playing in all 82 games in his final season with the Hornets, Walker’s games played total has decreased each season since. He played in 56 games his first season with the Celtics and only 43 in his second before he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and bought out.

He signed a free agent deal with the New York Knicks but he played in only 37 games as he was removed from the rotation twice. The knee injuries that he has been battling have sapped him of a lot of the quickness that separated him from his opponents.

Having the best player in franchise history return to the Hornets as a mentor to Ball and backup point guard would be a nice story for an organization that hasn’t had much to get excited about this offseason.

Latest NBA News & Trade Rumors: Charlotte Hornets

• Several Teams Interested In Donovan Mitchell Trade Beyond Knicks
• Best Trade Package Hornets Can Offer For Donovan Mitchell
• 1 Major Question All 30 NBA Teams Still Face Late In Offseason
• 3 Wild Donovan Mitchell Trades We’d Love To See
• This Cavs-Hornets Trade Sends Jarrett Allen To Charlotte

For the latest surrounding the Charlotte Hornets, check out our NBA news and trade rumors feed.