Kemba Walker retires after 12 NBA seasons, four All-Star appearances and joins Hornets coaching staff

Walker spent last season overseas with AS Monaco

By Jack Maloney Jul 3, 2024 at 2:39 pm ET• 2 min read

Former lottery pick and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker announced his retirement on Tuesday. The veteran point guard played in 12 NBA seasons for four different franchises, most notably the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets. He last played in the NBA in 2023 with the Dallas Mavericks. After that, he spent last season overseas with AS Monaco. 

Walker also led the UConn Huskies to the 2011 NCAA title, scoring 23.5 points per game that season.

Walker's full statement, which he released on social media:

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.

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.

Basketball will forever be a part of my life so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next. 

Fans found out "what's next" on Wednesday, as the Hornets announced Walker is joining their staff as a player enhancement coach under new head coach Charles Lee.

Your new Charlotte Hornets coaching staff is 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟.

🔗: https://t.co/r5eRBZg8ON | @CorcoranHM pic.twitter.com/1fdBWUdfGq

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 3, 2024

Walker first rose to national prominence at UConn, and is perhaps still best known for his game-winning shot to beat Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East Tournament. He then led the Huskies to the Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament titles later that season, and was named Most Outstanding Player of the latter event.