Kemba Walker Announces Retirement: Reflecting on an Illustrious Career
Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, marking the end of a memorable 12-season journey in the NBA.
Walker made his announcement public on Tuesday, expressing both gratitude and reflection on his accomplished career. "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 said.
Walker was the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, selected by the then-Charlotte Bobcats. His early years in Charlotte proved fruitful, with Walker making three All-Star appearances and earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. His time with the Bobcats, which would later become the Hornets, cemented his reputation as one of the league’s elite point guards.
Walker’s college career was equally impressive, leading the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title while averaging 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 remains etched in the memories of basketball enthusiasts.
After a successful stint in Charlotte, Walker joined the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal in the summer of 2019, a move that sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. In his debut season with the Celtics, Walker continued to shine, earning an All-Star selection and 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.
Walker’s journey in the NBA saw him play for four different franchises, including brief stints with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks before concluding his NBA journey in 2023. His career averages stand at an impressive 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 750 career games. Walker even spent a season overseas, playing for AS Monaco, demonstrating his commitment to the game despite the physical challenges he faced.
Reflecting on his departure from Charlotte, Walker shared candidly, "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."
As Walker transitions from playing to coaching, he will be joining the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under the leadership of new head coach Charles Lee. This new role allows him to stay connected to the sport he loves and impart his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
"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.
As Walker embarks on this new chapter, he remains passionate about the game. "Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next," he concluded.
Kemba Walker's career may have faced its fair share of challenges, but his resilience, talent, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the NBA and the hearts of basketball fans worldwide.