Most players get showered by boos when they face their former team for the first time, but Kemba Walker certainly felt the love when he returned to “The Hive” on Thursday.

The 29-year-old guard Boston Celtics guard was back at the Spectrum Center as he faced the Charlotte Hornets – the team he called home for eight seasons — for the first time this year.

Prior to tip-off, Charlotte honored Walker by showing his best highlights in a Hornets jersey. The three-time All-Star couldn’t help but flash as a big smile as he received an ovation from the home crowd.

Walker was drafted by Charlotte (then named the Bobcats) 9th overall in the 2011 Draft after a stellar collegiate career in UConn. He emerged as the leader of the Michael Jordan-owned squad over the years and became the franchise’s all-time leader in total points scored with 12,009.

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Walker had career averages of 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 605 regular-season games played for Charlotte.

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