Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, concluding a stellar 12-season career in the NBA. Walker broke the news on Tuesday, expressing immense gratitude for the journey he has had.
"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’s NBA journey began in 2012 when he was the ninth overall pick in the draft, selected by the then-Charlotte Bobcats. Over the course of his career, he played for four different franchises, making significant impacts at each stop. With the Charlotte Bobcats, where he made three All-Star appearances and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, Walker became a household name.
Walker’s early promise was already apparent during his college days, where he led the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, averaging an impressive 23.5 points per game that season. His memorable game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament is still a highlight in collegiate basketball history.
A Move to Boston
Walker’s career took a new turn in the summer of 2019 when 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 again selected as an All-Star and played a pivotal role in helping the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA bubble. Sadly, recurring knee soreness and other health issues marred his time in Boston.
His journey continued with brief stints at the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks before concluding his NBA journey in 2023. Even when faced with the physical toll of the game, Walker managed to maintain career averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 750 games—an impressive feat by any measure.
Transition to Coaching
Despite the bumps along the way, Walker has shown resilience and adaptability. His career trajectory took another shift as he spent a season playing overseas for AS Monaco. Now, Walker is set to join the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee.
Reflecting on his career, Walker didn’t shy away from acknowledging the tough periods he faced, especially surrounding 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 candidly shared.
Yet, through all the highs and lows, Walker remains grateful to his support system. "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.
For Walker, retirement from playing doesn’t signify a departure from the game he loves. "Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next," Walker promised, as he embraces his new role in shaping the next generation of players.
Walker’s career will be remembered not just for his individual accolades and achievements but also for his character and perseverance. As he transitions from player to coach, the basketball world will keenly watch how his experience and insights shape his new role, confident that the same dedication and passion will drive his future endeavors.