NBA Notes: Hornets, Kemba Walker, Mavs, Clippers

Hornets

Coach Steve Clifford said he is happy to see former Hornets guard Kemba Walker find a new home in free agency, as Walker is set to sign with the Mavericks (full story).

“I’m happy for him, he’s special to me,” Clifford said, via James Plowright of SI.com. “He’s a guy who became an All-Star player by doing it the old-fashioned way — he worked.”

Walker, 32, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Hornets, before landing with the Celtics, then being traded to the Thunder and waived. He signed with the Knicks last summer, then traded to the Pistons after the season. The Pistons waived him in October.

• Clifford said forward Gordon Hayward (shoulder) came into camp in great shape, but has just been unfortunate when it comes to the injury bug. “He put himself in a place to have a good year … he had some terrific games when he’s been able to play,” Clifford said, via Bobby Manning of Boston Sports Journal.

Mavericks

• Adding Kemba Walker should help the Mavs in the are of offensive “flexibility,” team owner Mark Cuban said, as we relayed here.
• In case you missed it, the Mavs officially waived Facundo Campazzo to make room for Walker (story). Sources told Hoops Wire that Campazzo hopes to latch on with another NBA team and is not yet ready to head back overseas.

Clippers

• Forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have each been ruled out for Tuesday’s game vs. the Trail Blazers, as have guards Luke Kennard and John Wall, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
• The status of all four beyond that has not been determined. The Clippers turn right around after Tuesday’s game for a matchup with the Jazz on Wednesday.