Former All-Star Kemba Walker Announces Retirement from Professional Basketball
Kemba Walker, once the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and a four-time All-Star, announced his retirement on Tuesday, culminating a remarkable 12-season journey in the NBA. Selected by the then-Charlotte Bobcats, Walker made an indelible mark on the league with his dazzling playmaking and clutch performances.
Reflecting on his career, Walker shared his deep gratitude and love for the game. "I want to start this by thanking God for everything he has given me. Basketball has done more for me than I could've ever imagined, and I am super thankful for the amazing journey I've had," Walker said. "With that, I'm here to share that I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. This has all been a dream. When I look back, I still can't believe the things I achieved in my career."
Walker was a standout at UConn, leading the Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title with an average of 23.5 points per game that season. His iconic game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament remains a memorable highlight of his college career. His performance earned him a top-10 pick in the NBA Draft, where he began his professional journey with the Charlotte Bobcats, soon to be rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets.
During his time in Charlotte, Walker blossomed into an All-Star talent, making three consecutive All-Star appearances and earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. Despite his achievements, Walker’s departure from Charlotte was challenging. "Tough days, f---ing tough days, I can't even lie. Excuse my language. It was difficult. I couldn't see myself just being on another team. It was just hard. That's all I've known was Charlotte. Definitely some tough times. I had a feeling that I wasn't going to get the offer that I wanted, and maybe not close to it, because of cap space."
In the summer of 2019, Walker joined the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal, sending Terry Rozier to the Hornets. Walker continued to excel, earning an All-Star selection in his first season with the Celtics and helping the team reach the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA bubble. Amidst the highs, Walker also faced significant lows, dealing with recurring knee soreness and other health issues that hampered his performance.
Walker’s brief stints with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks marked the tail end of his NBA career, which concluded in 2023. Throughout his career, Walker averaged 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 750 games, showcasing his consistent impact on the court.
In addition to his NBA career, Walker spent a season overseas playing for AS Monaco. Despite his retirement from professional play, he will stay connected to the sport in a new role. Walker announced that he will be joining the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee, signaling his transition from player to mentor.
Walker expressed gratitude towards those who supported him throughout his career. "I know I couldn't have made it to this point without my incredible support system around me. There are so many people to thank -- my mom, dad, and entire family, my teammates who have become family, and the coaches who believe in me and brought out the best in me," he said.
Basketball has been a significant part of Walker’s life, and he emphasized that it would remain so even in his new role. "Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next," Walker affirmed, hinting at his enthusiasm for the next chapter in his basketball journey.
Kemba Walker leaves behind a legacy of resilience, talent, and memorable performances that have shaped his career and inspired many. As he transitions to coaching, his impact on the game will undoubtedly continue, enriching the next generation of players with his experience and wisdom.