Kemba Walker Calls it A Career!

Kemba Walker calls it a career!

This off-season, we have seen many players hang their boots up and decide that it's time to go home. One of them is Kemba Walker. Having a 12-year career where he had many successes. Walker was an exciting player who played at the University of Connecticut. He won an NCAA title in his 3rd year. This made him one of the greatest college players ever. Then in 2011, he declared for the NBA draft. Sharing the same class with the likes of Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Klay Thompson. The Bobcats team, viewed as the biggest jokes in the league at the time, drafted him ninth pick.

In 2011, the NBA had a lockdown. Which meant Kemba did not have a full 82-game season. But he started his first year because DJ Augustin was injured. Kemba was able to average 12 points on 36 percent shooting. And he was able to perform in the Rising Stars contest. But, unfortunately, the Bobcats only won seven games.

In his second season, Kemba was able to make a jump. Averaging 17.7 points on 42 percent shooting. The Hornets were a young team with Bismack Biyombo and rookie Michael Kidd Gilchrist. Once again, he was chosen for the Rising Stars content in his second year in the league. One of the most legendary moments of his season was when he hit the buzzer-beater on the Timberwolves. Establishing himself as an upcoming All-Star who is not scared to shoot in the big moments.

In 2013, the Hornets made a big signing. Al Jefferson was now the second-best player next to Kemba on the team. Kemba was able to average 17.7 points per game, carrying on his momentum. Despite that, he showed that he was making improvements. Becoming player of the month for the eastern conference in February. The Hornets that year secured the 8th seed. The Miami Heat's big three swept them. Kemba had a great game four where he scored 29 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.

The following season, Kemba Walker dealt with a knee injury. Early on in the 2013-14 season. Kemba still had an impressive season. That whole season robbed Kemba of proper development as he did not see the floor often. Missing the playoffs that year as the 11th seed.

In the 2015-16 season, the Hornets had a new look. With players like Jeremy Lin, Courtney Lee, Marvin Williams, and Nicolas Batum. Along with second-year player Cody Zeller and rookie Frank Kaminsky. Coached by Steve Clifford. Kemba Walker was able to make a good jump. Averaging 21 points, 42 percent field goal, and 37 percent 3-point shooting. Kemba Walker established himself as a star. He was one of the best point guards that year. Then in the playoffs, they gave a tough battle to the Miami Heat, led by Dwayne Wade.

In the 2016-17 season, Kemba Walker was able to make his first All-Star selection. 23 points, on 44 percent shooting with 4 assists. He was able to hit his milestone of 7,000 points in his career. On March 31. Kemba became the second Hornet to score 8,000 points, after Dell Curry. Kemba Walker had left knee surgery at the end of the season.

Kemba Walker carried on his momentum the following season. Tearing it up in the regular season. Averaging 22 points and 3 assists. He had crazy games, scoring 41 points against the Mavericks. He also reached 9,000 career points. Kemba was a pure hooper who could create his shot out of nothing. It was incredible to see him play basketball. Though his team once again missed the playoffs.

In 2019, Kemba Walker had his best season. Having a third NBA-team season and making his third All-Star selection. He was able to carry the team to the ninth seed, falling short to the Pistons. He had his tenth 40-point game, being the second player next to Glenn Rice to do so. This was his final season as a Hornet.

Kemba was able to secure another All-Star appearance in Boston in 2020. But he started to deal with leg injuries. Walker was a huge help in getting Boston to the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost to Miami. But after 2020, Celtics fans saw a clear decline in Kemba. He was losing his quickness, which led to him losing his shot-creating ability. Then in 2021, Kemba Walker was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Al Horford.

Oklahoma City Thunder was in the middle of their rebuild. So, Kemba Walker did not meet their timetable, which led to him getting bought out. The New York Knicks saw an opportunity and found themselves having the ability to sign him for cheap. The goal was to give Julius Randle a sidekick. It was the perfect match, as Kemba is from New York. But he lost his starting spot and was out of the rotation. Along with dealing reoccurring injuries, which led to a buyout deal.

Kemba Walker was traded to the Pistons, in which both sides agreed to a buyout. Then Kemba signed with the Dallas Mavericks to team up with Luka Doncic. He had a 32-point game that season. But was waived in the middle of the season. Making it the final year of his NBA career.

Kemba Walker then went to Europe. Signing with AS Monaco. Playing for only a season. Before declaring for retirement this year. Kemba had a good career in the league. He was part of a great decade with incredible point guards. Sharing a conference with Kyrie Irving, John Wall, and Kyle Lowry. Along with sharing a league with Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, and Mike Conley. Now, Kemba will be part of the coaching staff for the Hornets. Helping them become a winning team. A great pivot for one of the most likable players in the league.

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