Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has announced his retirement from professional basketball, bringing to a close a remarkable career that spanned 12 seasons in the NBA. Walker confirmed his decision on Tuesday, reflecting on a journey that took him through four different franchises and earned him a place among the league's notable players.
"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. He quickly established himself as a key player, making three All-Star appearances with the franchise, which later became the Charlotte Hornets. During his time with the Hornets, Walker was named to the All-NBA Second Team and proved to be a stalwart in their lineup.
Walker’s collegiate career was equally impressive. He led the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, averaging 23.5 points per game that season. He also hit a memorable game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
In the summer of 2019, Walker joined the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. Walker immediately made an impact, being selected as an All-Star in his first season with the Celtics and helping the team reach the Eastern Conference finals during the NBA bubble. However, his tenure with the Celtics was marked by recurring knee soreness and other health issues, which eventually impeded his ability to perform consistently.
Walker’s career took him to brief stints with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. Despite his undeniable talent, injuries continued to plague his performance. By 2023, he had concluded his NBA journey, having played a total of 750 career games with averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Walker also spent a season overseas, playing for AS Monaco. In his retirement announcement, he acknowledged the challenges he faced, 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 said.
As Walker transitions from playing to coaching, he will be joining the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee. This new role will allow him to remain connected to the game, utilizing his extensive experience and passion for basketball to mentor the next generation of players.
Reflecting on his career and the people who supported him along the way, Walker expressed profound gratitude. "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 shared.
Despite retiring from professional play, Walker emphasized that basketball will forever be a 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 concluded.
Kemba Walker’s journey through the NBA is a testament to resilience, talent, and dedication. As he moves into the next chapter of his life, his influence on and off the court will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of basketball players.