Boston Celtics

Morning sports update: Kemba Walker explained why he chose the Celtics in free agency

"When you think of the Celtics, you think of championships, you think of winning and that's what I'm about."

Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker in April, 2019. AP Photo/Duane Burleson

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

The Yankees offense once again overwhelmed the Red Sox pitching staff to complete the sweep of the London Series on Sunday, 12-8. It was a disappointing end to the international edition of baseball’s famous rivalry, with the Red Sox now making their way to Toronto for the start of a three-game series against the Blue Jays on Tuesday night.

https://twitter.com/SportsNation/status/1145376704837357574

Elsewhere, NBA free agency began with an eruption of news, including reports that both Al Horford and Kyrie Irving are leaving the Celtics. Irving is heading to the Nets, while Horford appears to be heading to the 76ers. Meanwhile, the Celtics are reportedly signing point guard Kemba Walker.

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The remaining major free agent to signal his intentions is Kawhi Leonard.

Also, the United States men’s national team achieved an underwhelming 1-0 win over Curacao in the Gold Cup, advancing to the semifinal to play Jamaica on Wednesday:

What Kemba Walker had to say about becoming a Celtic: After deciding on the Celtics as his free agent destination, Kemba Walker made an appearance on SportsCenter on Sunday night.

“Now it’s about competing at the highest level, which we all know Boston is doing that year in and year out,” Walker said. “I want to be a part of something really special as far as being able to compete at the highest level and give myself the best opportunity to make a run in the playoffs.”

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“When you think of the Celtics, you think of championships, you think of winning and that’s what I’m about,” Walker explained.

For the Celtics, it’s a major addition after the team was unable to keep either Irving or Horford.

“I just felt like Boston was the best fit for me to try and accomplish those kind of goals.”

Trivia: In the 2011 NCAA Tournament National Championship game, Kemba Walker led the University of Connecticut over Brad Stevens and Butler University to cement his legacy in college basketball. Walker was the game’s top scorer with 16 points, but which Butler player was second?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He was Walker’s teammate for part of this past season in Charlotte.

More from Boston.com:

Jaylen Brown welcomed Kemba Walker

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Isaiah Thomas on Kemba Walker joining the Celtics:

Thomas also showed his approval for Terry Rozier’s contract:

Jason McCourty has jokes about NBA free agency:

Watch the history of NBA rebound leaders through the decades in this chart:

On this day: In 1920, Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson no-hit the Red Sox at Fenway Park as the Senators won, 1-0. In fact, it would have been a perfect game had it not been for an error by one of Johnson’s perpetually underachieving teammates.

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“It is to be regretted that an error allowed one Boston player to reach first base,” wrote James C. O’Leary of the Boston Globe. “Otherwise the record, all around, would have been perfect. It was perfect, so far as Johnson himself was concerned.”

Also on this day, in 2012, the Spanish men’s national team reached the zenith of its dynasty, defeating Italy 4-0 to win UEFA Euro 2012 (its third consecutive major tournament victory).

Daily highlight: U.S. goalkeeper Zack Steffen reached to make a crucial save in the 1-0 win over Curacao on Sunday night.

Trivia answer: Shelvin Mack