Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has officially retired from professional basketball, capping off a stellar 12-season career in the NBA. Walker, who confirmed his decision on Tuesday, made a lasting impact on the game with his extraordinary skills and leadership both on and off the court.
Walker’s career began when he was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the then-Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets). It was here that he established himself as a rising star, making three All-Star appearances and showcasing his dynamic playmaking abilities. His talent was further recognized when he was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
In a heartfelt announcement, Walker reflected on his journey: "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’s basketball career was punctuated with memorable moments, including leading the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, where he averaged an impressive 23.5 points per game. He also made headlines with a game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament.
Walker's NBA journey took him to four different franchises. In the summer of 2019, he joined the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets. During his first season with the Celtics, Walker was selected as an All-Star and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA bubble. Despite dealing with recurring knee soreness and other health issues, his impact on the court remained significant.
Walker’s time with the Celtics was bittersweet, marked by both high achievements and challenging moments. Reflecting on his departure from Charlotte, he shared, "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."
After his stint with Boston, Walker played briefly for the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks before concluding his NBA journey in 2023. Over his career spanning 750 games, he averaged 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Walker also ventured overseas, spending a season playing for AS Monaco.
As Walker transitions from the court to a new role, he will be joining the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee. This move signals his commitment to staying connected to the game: "Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next," said Walker.
Gratitude and reflection accompanied Walker’s announcement. "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.
Walker’s career is a testament to perseverance, skill, and an unwavering love for basketball. As he embarks on this new chapter, his contributions to the game will be remembered by fans, teammates, and coaches alike. While his time as a player has come to an end, his legacy and influence on the sport are destined to continue for years to come.