Local businesses offer NBA incentives if Hornets' Walker named all-star replacement

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte businesses are rallying behind Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker to help him get a spot in this year’s NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles.

New York Knicks all-star Kristaps Porzingas tore his ACL in a game Tuesday night, and will be forced to miss the Feb. 18 event.

The NBA has yet to announce a replacement, but businesses are offering free pizza and free beer if Walker is added as a replacement.

Brixx pizza offered the NBA free pizza coupons if they name Walker as an alternate, while Unknown Brewing Company tweeted at them, offering some of their Buzzed City Pale Ale.

Unknown Brewing Company marketing director Scotty Kent said people have been loving the support.

“Response has been pretty good,” Kent said. “I'm not going to say I'm surprised because there’s a Hornets fan base here. It looks like the city really wants to see Kemba in the all-star game.”

Alpha Canvas offered this in a tweet, "We'll send a custom signed 'Thank You' banner."

Walker played in last year’s all-star game.

This year, Walker has averaged 22.6 points and 5.8 assists per game.

Cox Media Group