Boston alum Grant Williams lauds mentor and former roommate Kemba Walker
The 2019 offseason was a busy one for the Boston Celtics. Shortly after drafting forward Grant Williams with the No. 22 pick in that year’s draft, Boston swung a trade for veteran guard Kemba Walker. In short order, the two newest members of the Celtics formed a friendship that lasts to this day, although both have moved on from Boston.
Walker, 33, joined AS Monaco this summer, taking his talents to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. His former teammate Williams was also on the move during the offseason, inking a new deal with the Dallas Mavericks. The latter recently spoke about his relationship with his former mentor and roommate.
On a recent appearance with the Hoop Chat with Emily Austin, Williams shared glowing admiration for Walker’s character and leadership.
“Kemba’s one of the best vets, if not the best that I’ve had,” Williams said. “He’s a guy that is selfless. He will always offer his shirt off his back for you.”
Walker has always been known to be a good teammate and supportive leader since joining the NBA back in 2011. Williams explained the two lived together during part of their Celtics tenures, where he had a first-hand look at Walker’s leadership.
“And even when I was living with him,” Williams said. “he did a phenomenal job of just making sure I try to train. It kept my body in shape and made sure I was prepared for if we ever go back.”
Walker and Williams remained teammates for two seasons in Boston. And while Walker served as a professional mentor for Williams, he also became a friend and role model off the court.
“Opening up his house for me was one of the coolest and most impactful things he could have done for me, especially at that time,” Williams said.
By way of video games, board games, and other activities, Williams explained Walker sought to build a relationship beyond the basketball court.
“He made sure that we were able to just kind of be comfortable around one another,” Williams said of Walker.
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