Hornets boss Jordan not trading Walker for 'anything but an All-Star player'

WASHINGTON - The Charlotte Hornets boss Michael Jordan said on Tuesday that he would listen to offers for point guard and one-time All-Star Kemba Walker, but any deal would need to net a player with equal credentials.

"We bred him, we chose him, we groomed him to be a good player for us," Jordan was quoted by to the Charlotte Observer on Tuesday.

"It's not like we are shopping him. We would not just give him up. I love Kemba Walker. I would not trade him for anything but an All-Star player," Jordan said of Walker, who the Hornets drafted ninth overall in 2011, to a great extent because Jordan saw traits in Walker that reminded him of his own playing career.

"I certainly haven't given up on our best player. He's done a hell of a job of turning himself into an All-Star," Jordan said.

Walker has played his entire six-year career with the Hornets, dating back to when they were formerly known as the Charlotte Bobcats. He steadily improved multiple aspects of his game until this season. Unfortunately injuries have derailed the progress of several teammates, forcing Walker to face constant defensive attention that has in turn diminished his production and efficiency. Walker is currently averaging 21.7 points, 5.8 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.

The Hornets are 19-26 and four games out of the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Walker is the franchise's only drafted player to become an All-Star since Baron Davis received the honor in 2002.

"I'm telling you I believe in my team," Jordan added. "I'm disappointed in our record and I'm frustrated at times. But I'm telling you I like everything about Kemba's work. I'm not just going to throw him away."