NBA All-Star who made league history announces shock retirement at age of 34 as he releases touching statement
FOUR-TIME NBA All-Star Kemba Walker has retired from basketball.
The ex-Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics point guard shared the news in the company of his favorite player, Carmelo Anthony.
Walker, 34, appeared on 7PM in Brooklyn, which Anthony co-hosts with comedian The Kid Mero.
The University of Connecticut legend said he wanted to announce his retirement on the show because of the former New York Knicks star's impact on his career.
"It was a hell of a run," Walker said.
"It was a run that I still can’t fathom today and can’t believe the things that I’ve done in my basketball career."
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The 6-foot guard then released a touching statement in which he looked back on his playing days.
"I want to start this by thanking God for everything he has given me," Walker wrote.
"Basketball has done more for me than I could've ever imagined, and I am super thankful for the amazing journey l've had.
"With that, I'm here to share that I am officially retiring from the game of basketball.
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"This has all been a dream. When I look back, I still can't believe the things I achieved in my career.
After thanking his family as well as former teammates and coaches, Walker said basketball would "forever be a part of his life" so he wasn't saying goodbye to the sport.
"I'm excited for what's next," he wrote.
Walker enjoyed tremendous success from early in his career.
He led UConn to a national championship in 2011 and claimed the Most Outstanding Player award, having some spectacular performances along the way.
Later that year, he was drafted at No. 9 overall by the Hornets.
This has all been a dream. When I look back, I still can't believe the things I achieved in my career
Kemba Walker
The playmaker eventually turned into one of the best scorers in the league, logging at least 20.4 points per game for five straight seasons between 2016-2020.
Only Allen Iverson had more campaigns averaging 20-plus points among players 6-foot or shorter, per Basketball Reference.
Knee injuries heavily hampered Walker late in his career, though.
He failed to make more than 43 regular-season appearances in each of his last three NBA seasons.
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The guard spent 2023-24 abroad, playing sparingly for AS Monaco in France.
Walker retired as the Hornets' all-time leader in points, 3-pointers, and minutes played.