Kemba Walker Announces Retirement After Illustrious Career
Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. Walker, who spent 12 seasons in the NBA, confirmed his decision on Tuesday.
"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 stated.
Walker, drafted ninth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the then-Charlotte Bobcats, played for four different franchises during his remarkable career. During his stint with the Charlotte Bobcats, Walker made three All-Star appearances and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
The guard’s influence extended beyond the NBA. Walker led the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, averaging an impressive 23.5 points per game that season. One of the most memorable moments of his college career came when he hit a game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament.
In the summer of 2019, Walker joined the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. His first season with the Celtics was notable, as he 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, recurring knee soreness and other health issues plagued Walker during his tenure with the Celtics.
In the final chapter of his NBA career, Walker played briefly for the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. His career averages stood at 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 750 career games. Before announcing his retirement, Walker also spent a season playing overseas for AS Monaco.
Looking back, Walker acknowledged the challenging moments, particularly his departure from the Charlotte Bobcats due to cap space issues. "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 recalled.
Walker has already outlined the next phase of his career, as he will be joining the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee. This move keeps him connected to the game he loves while transitioning from playing to coaching.
"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," Walker expressed with gratitude.
Kemba Walker's journey in professional basketball may have concluded, but his legacy and passion for the game remain as strong as ever. "Basketball will forever be a part of my life, so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next," Walker affirmed.