Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has announced his retirement from professional basketball. Confirming his decision on Tuesday, the highly celebrated guard who spent 12 seasons in the NBA concludes a storied career that spanned four major franchises.
A Storied Career:
Walker was the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, selected by the then-Charlotte Bobcats. His impact was immediate and significant, making three All-Star appearances with the team. Over his career, Walker was named to the All-NBA Second Team and played a pivotal role in the Bobcats’ evolution into a competitive franchise.
Among his many accomplishments, Walker led the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, where he averaged a stunning 23.5 points per game that season. Notably, he hit a game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament, a moment that has gone down in college basketball lore.
A Journey of Triumphs and Challenges:
Walker's NBA journey saw him crossing paths with multiple franchises. In the summer of 2019, he joined the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal, which sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. In his first season with the Celtics, Walker was selected as an All-Star and played a crucial role in helping the team reach the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA bubble.
However, his time in Boston was marred by recurring knee soreness and other health issues. After brief stints with the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks, Walker concluded his NBA journey in 2023. Over 750 career games, he maintained impressive averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Even after his NBA career, Walker continued to shine on the court, spending a season overseas playing for AS Monaco. He remained passionate about the game, displaying the same drive and determination that made him a household name in the NBA.
Transitioning to a New Role:
Walker will not be stepping away from basketball entirely. Instead, he will be joining the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee. This transition will allow him to stay connected to the sport he has always loved while imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
Walker Reflects on His Career:
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Walker shared a heartfelt message: "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. 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's departure from the Charlotte Bobcats, influenced by cap space issues, was one of the more challenging chapters in his career. “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," he candidly noted.
Expressing gratitude for the support he received over the years, Walker stated, "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."
Despite his retirement from professional play, Walker made it clear that basketball would always be an integral part of his life. "Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next," he said, hinting at a future that remains intertwined with the sport.
As he embarks on his next chapter, Walker leaves behind a legacy of resilience, excellence, and profound impact both on and off the court. His contributions to basketball will be remembered and celebrated by fans and peers alike for years to come.