Announcement and Career Overview
NBA four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker, known as “The Skywalker,” made a shocking announcement early on July 3rd, Taiwan time, declaring his retirement after a 12-year NBA career.
Early Career and Charlotte Hornets Success
At only 34 years old, Walker was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Hornets) in the 2011 NBA Draft. From 2017 to 2020, he was selected for the All-Star game four times and earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team once. During his peak years with the Hornets, Walker averaged 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game over eight seasons, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Notably, he played alongside Jeremy Lin during the 2015-16 season. In the 2019 offseason, Walker was traded to the Boston Celtics through a sign-and-trade deal.
Challenges and Trades
Despite his scoring prowess, Walker’s 6-foot height posed a defensive challenge, compounded by persistent knee injuries. In 2021, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder but quickly reached a buyout agreement. He then signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the New York Knicks but struggled to regain his former performance. In the summer of 2022, after being traded to the Detroit Pistons and subsequently bought out, he joined the Dallas Mavericks. During a game against the Cavaliers, Walker scored 32 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists but was eventually waived by the team. Last season, he played for AS Monaco Basket.
Retirement Announcement
In a heartfelt message early on July 3rd, Walker announced the end of his 12-year professional basketball career:
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for everything. Basketball has given me more than I ever imagined, and I am incredibly grateful for this incredible journey. With that, I am officially announcing my retirement from basketball. It has all been a dream, and I still can’t believe the achievements I made in my career.”
Gratitude and Future Plans
Walker expressed deep gratitude to his family, friends, teammates, and coaches:
“Without the unbelievable support from those around me, I couldn’t have made it this far. I want to thank my mom, dad, and entire family, as well as my teammates who have become like family, and the coaches who believed in me and brought out the best in me.”
Concluding his announcement, Walker stated:
“Basketball will always be a part of my life, so this is not a goodbye. I look forward to what comes next.”
Career Statistics with the Charlotte Hornets
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Points | 12,009 |
| Three-Point Field Goals | 1,283 |
| Win Shares | 48.5 |
| Minutes Played | 20,607 |
Walker also ranks in the top 10 in assists, steals, games played, and rebounds in Hornets’ history.
Kemba Walker’s career will be remembered for his dynamic play, leadership, and significant contributions to the teams he played for, both in the NBA and overseas.(FADA888)