Kemba Walker Announces Retirement, Shifts Focus to Coaching
Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, bringing an end to a notable 12-season career in the NBA. The announcement came on Tuesday, marking a significant transition for the player who has contributed immensely to the sport both on the court and in the locker room.
Walker was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the then-Charlotte Bobcats. During his tenure with the franchise, he quickly made a name for himself, earning three All-Star appearances. His skillful playmaking and scoring ability were recognized league-wide, culminating in his inclusion on the All-NBA Second Team. Reflecting on his journey, Walker shared, “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.”
Walker’s basketball journey began in earnest during his college days when he led the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, averaging an impressive 23.5 points per game that season. His clutch performance, including a memorable game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament, showcased his potential early on.
After several successful seasons with the Bobcats, which later rebranded as the Hornets, Walker’s career saw him join the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal during the summer of 2019. The deal sent Terry Rozier to the Hornets and allowed Walker a fresh start. In his first season with the Celtics, he was once again selected as an All-Star and helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA bubble.
Despite his success, Walker's time with the Celtics was marred by recurring knee soreness and other health issues, which impacted his performance and consistency. After brief stints with the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks, Walker concluded his NBA journey in 2023. Throughout his 750 career games, he posted impressive averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Following his NBA career, Walker spent a season overseas playing for AS Monaco. Despite the changes in scenery and competition, his passion for the game remained undiminished. “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,” Walker admitted, reflecting on his challenging departure from the Hornets due to cap space issues.
Transitioning from the court to the sidelines, Walker will now join the Charlotte Hornets' staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee. This new role allows Walker to continue contributing to the sport he loves while nurturing the next generation of talent. “Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next,” he stated.
Walker expressed deep gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, acknowledging that his journey wouldn’t have been possible without them. “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.”
As Walker embarks on this new chapter, his legacy on the court remains undiminished. His dedication, resilience, and passion have left an indelible mark on the NBA, inspiring countless fans and aspiring athletes. His new role signals his ongoing commitment to the sport, ensuring that basketball continues to benefit from his experience and insights.