Kemba Walker Announces Retirement после Stellar NBA Career
Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, capping an illustrious 12-year career in the NBA.
Walker's decision was confirmed on Tuesday, bringing an end to a journey that began as the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Selected by the then-Charlotte Bobcats, Walker quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. His talent and leadership on the court led to three All-Star appearances with the Bobcats, underscoring his significant impact on the team and the league.
Reflecting on his career, Walker expressed immense gratitude. "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," said Walker.
Beyond his success in the NBA, Walker has been celebrated for his collegiate achievements. 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 against Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament remains a highlight of his storied college career.
In the summer of 2019, Walker joined the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. His initial season with the Celtics was marked by an All-Star selection and a significant role in 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, which eventually hampered his performance and availability.
After his stint with the Celtics, Walker had brief tenures with the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks before concluding his NBA journey in 2023. Reflecting on the challenges he faced, particularly his departure from the Charlotte Bobcats due to cap space issues, he described those days as particularly tough. "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 shared honestly.
In his NBA career, Walker accumulated impressive averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 750 games. After his NBA stint, Walker spent a season overseas, playing for AS Monaco.
Transitioning from playing to coaching, Walker will now be joining the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee. This new role allows him to remain connected to the game he loves while imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
Walker credits much of his success to the support system that surrounded him throughout 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."
Walker expressed his enduring connection to basketball, stating, "Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next."
Kemba Walker’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era for a player who brought skill, passion, and resilience to the court. As he embarks on a new chapter as a coach, the NBA community celebrates his contributions and looks forward to his continued influence on the sport.