Like many others, Kemba Walker didn’t have to wait for five years. After leading the UConn men’s basketball team to their third title, the 34-year-old was enshrined in the Huskies of Honor at Gampel Pavilion. He is among the 13 players honored in 2011, alongside notable names like Ray Allen, Chris Smith, Richard Hamilton, and others. This was also the year he was selected as the 9th pick by the Charlotte Bobcats.

12 years after that memorable year, Walker announced his retirement from basketball. His final season was spent in the Euroleague with AS Monaco, following stints with four teams in the NBA. A four-time NBA All-Star, Walker averaged 19.3 points over his 12-year career. He spent his first eight years with the Hornets, playing 605 games for the franchise.

To date, he holds the record as the franchise’s top scorer and ranks in the top three for games played. He also holds the team record for three-pointers, field goals, and free throws.

The pinnacle of his career came a year before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, during the 2018-19 season when he played in all games. As the LNB Élite champion, he averaged a career-best 25.6 points per game, with averages of 5.9 assists in 34.9 minutes, earning him a spot in the All-NBA Third Team selection.

Kemba Walker retires after time with the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks

During his 2-year time with C’s, he appeared in more than 100 games and averaged 19.9 points in each of them. And this was his last in the league. After an injury during his time with the Boston Celtics, Walker went to the New York Knicks.

And following this, he joined the Dallas Mavericks in the 2022-23 season and played 9 games for the team. This was his last stint in the league. Following this, the veteran took his talent to the international leagues.

“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 wrote on his social media handle to announce his retirement.

He further explained, “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 believed in me and brought out the best in me.”

With his wealth of basketball experience, knowledge, and skills, the veteran can surely be an asset in any capacity he chooses to serve.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.