Four-time All-Star Kemba Walker has announced his retirement from basketball after 13 successful seasons, including 12 in the NBA.
Walker, who was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats out of the University of Connecticut in 2011, posted a lengthy statement on social media announcing his decision to retire.
But Walker doesn’t seem interested in quitting basketball altogether.
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No. 8 Kemba Walker of the New York Knicks brings the ball up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 12, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
“I want to start by thanking God for all that he has given me,” Walker wrote in a statement. “Basketball has given me more than I could have ever imagined, and I am so grateful for the incredible journey I have been on.”
“With this, I hereby announce my official retirement from the game of basketball. This has all been a dream. Looking back, I still can’t believe what I have accomplished in my career.”
As is customary in retirement statements, Walker thanked those who have influenced him over the years.
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“I don’t think I could have gotten to this point without the incredible support system around me,” Walker said in a statement. “I have so many people to thank: my mom, my dad, my entire family, my teammates who are like family, and the coaching staff who believed in me and brought out the best in me.”
“Basketball will always be a part of my life, so this is not goodbye. I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Walker, 34, played his final season overseas with Monaco of the EuroLeague last year, averaging 4.4 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 26 games.
Kemba Walker (No. 34) of the Dallas Mavericks looks on as the Minnesota Timberwolves face off during the third quarter of a game at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 19, 2022. The Timberwolves defeated the Mavericks 116-106. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Prior to that, Walker’s role in the NBA had been diminished, appearing in just 37 games with the Knicks back in New York during the 2021-22 season and just nine games with the Dallas Mavericks the following year.
But Walker was a pure scorer during his time with the Huskies and he brought that talent to the Bobcats as soon as he entered the league.
Walker is currently Charlotte’s all-time leading scorer, totaling 12,009 points in the eight seasons the team was with the Hornets.
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Walker’s best years came from 2016-20, when he was named an All-Star four years in a row and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2018-19, his final season with Charlotte, averaging a career-best 25.6 points per game.
Walker was acquired by the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade prior to the 2019-20 season and maintained his All-Star status by averaging 20.4 points and 4.9 assists per game.
But after signing with Boston, Walker’s career began to derail a bit with injuries, and despite being as durable as any guard in the league the year before, he only played in 43 of 72 games the following season. Walker only missed a total of 35 games over his first eight seasons.
But when healthy, Walker was a bucket-load of player with the ability to score anywhere on the court.
His nickname, “Cardiac Kemba,” was earned during his collegiate career for his ability to score in big moments, including his iconic step-back jump shot against Pittsburgh in the 2011 Big East quarterfinals, which gave Connecticut a buzzer-beater victory.
Kemba Walker wearing number 8 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
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They won the tournament that year and the subsequent NCAA Tournament, beating Butler.
During his NBA career, Walker averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 41.8 percent from the field.
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