Kemba Walker's basketball career touched many.
On Tuesday, the former UConn Huskies NCAA national champion and four-time NBA All-Star announced his retirement from the sport.
Thank you, basketball. pic.twitter.com/gLUbQnZMP5
— Kemba Walker (@KembaWalker) July 2, 2024
"I know I couldn't have made it to this point without my incredible support system around me," Walker said in a statement.
In 2011, Walker was selected as the No. 9 overall pick by the Charlotte Bobcats, where he spent eight seasons. The Bobcats later changed their name to the Hornets.
Walker also played with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks.
Shortly after the Bronx, New York, native announced his retirement, his agency, Excel Sports Management, posted a tribute video.
The tribute included players, celebrities and family members who said how Walker's career inspired them.
The video visited every stop Walker had during his basketball career. It began with his high school teammates and friends, followed by his UConn teammates and coach Jim Calhoun.
"With no question, one of the greatest players I've ever coached," Calhoun said. "But you combine that with having a great family and being one the nicest people and teammates a basketball team could ever have."
It continued with a highlight of his career in Charlotte.
"[I] made a whole career out of setting screens for you, getting out of the way and letting you do the rest," New Orleans Pelicans center Cody Zeller said.
Celtics champions Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and coach Joe Mazzulla gave congrats.
"It was an honor and a privilege to be your teammate, from a kid that literally grew up and watched you in the NCAA tournament and watched you in the league," Tatum said in a video to Walker.
Walker retired as Charlotte's all-time leader in points and 3-pointers. According to The Athletic, he will return to the Hornets organization as a member of coach Charles Lee's staff as a player enhancement coach.
