Ex-Celtic Antoine Walker shares thoughts on Kemba Walker wearing his No. 8

Share

Antoine Walker spent the first seven years of his NBA career in Boston wearing the No. 8 on his jersey. Sometimes referred to as "Employee Number 8," it became a part of the 1996 No. 6 overall pick's brand.

More than a decade later, there's a new Walker in town. A new Walker wearing No. 8, in fact.

When Kemba Walker joined the Celtics last summer, he wanted the No. 8 jersey as a nod to his birthday, May 8. But first, he went out of his way to make sure it was OK with Antoine.

Chatting with Brian Scalabrine during our "Classic Celtics" broadcast of his C's vs. Michael Jordan's Bulls in 1997, which will air Sunday at 7 p.m., Antoine Walker shared his thoughts on Kemba taking his No. 8 and commended him for reaching out for permission.

Download the MyTeams app for the latest Celtics news and analysis

"It is interesting, and sometimes it's weird," Walker told Brian Scalabrine. "But one thing I can say -- and I didn't know Kemba Walker, obviously I had seen him play a ton of times -- for him to reach out to me on social media and ask for my blessings to wear the number was special to me. Because it's been worn by several players after me. But to see that made me feel good. Maybe he felt the connection with the last name.

"But He's a basketball guy and we since then have been able to talk and communicate and become somewhat friends. So i'm excited that he's getting the opportunity. If there's one player you want to wear it, he's the guy."

It's clear Kemba made a lasting impression on Antoine with that gesture. He's also likely made a positive impression with his performance during his first season in Boston, as he's averaged 21.2 points and 4.9 assists in 50 games. With Kemba at the helm, the C's held a 43-21 record and were cruising into the playoffs before the NBA season was put on hold.

Antoine Walker also chatted with Scal about the role he had in Michael Jordan's return to the NBA in 2001, and that's a story that should appeal to any basketball fan.

Contact Us