Kemba Walker Announces Retirement from Professional Basketball
In a heartfelt announcement on Tuesday, former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker officially declared his retirement from professional basketball. The decision marks the end of a distinguished 12-season NBA career that saw him don the jerseys of four different franchises and achieve numerous accolades, both in college and the professional ranks.
"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," expressed Walker. "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 journey began when he was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the then-Charlotte Bobcats, a franchise that would later become the Charlotte Hornets. He immediately made an impact, securing three All-Star selections during his tenure with the team. His stellar play also earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier point guards.
The former UConn star burst into national prominence by leading the Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, averaging an impressive 23.5 points per game that season. Walker's buzzer-beating shot against Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament remains one of the iconic moments in college basketball history.
In the summer of 2019, Walker joined the Boston Celtics through a sign-and-trade deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. His arrival in Boston was met with high expectations, and Walker did not disappoint. He made the All-Star team in his first season with the Celtics and played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA bubble. However, recurring knee soreness and other health issues began to hinder his performance, casting a shadow over his time in Boston.
Following his stint with the Celtics, Walker had brief tenures with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks before concluding his NBA journey in 2023. Despite these challenges, his career averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 750 career games underscore his consistent contributions on the court.
Walker also explored international play, spending a season overseas with AS Monaco, further broadening his basketball experiences. Now, as he steps away from playing, Walker's passion for the game remains unshaken. He will transition into a new role as a player enhancement coach for the Charlotte Hornets, working under the new head coach Charles Lee.
"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,” Walker candidly shared, reflecting on his emotional departure from the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets due to cap space issues.
For Walker, the transition from playing to coaching is a natural progression. He acknowledged the critical role of his support system in navigating the highs and lows of his career. "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 noted with gratitude.
Transitioning into his post-playing career, Walker remains deeply connected to 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," he declared, leaving the door open for future contributions to the sport in his new role.