What Happened to Kemba Walker? Who is Kemba Walker?
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Updated Jul 04, 2024
What Happened to Kemba Walker?
Kemba Walker, a four-time NBA All-Star and UConn champion announced his retirement at 34. Drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2011, he became the Hornets' all-time leading scorer. Walker's peak was the 2018-19 season, averaging 25.6 points per game and making the All-NBA third team.
In 2019, he joined the Boston Celtics, making another All-Star appearance but struggled with injuries. After being traded to Oklahoma City in 2021 and later joining the New York Knicks, he faced persistent injuries. Walker played briefly for the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks before playing sparingly in the French League with AS Monaco. Despite his successful NBA career, injuries limited his playing time in later years, leading to his retirement announcement.
Who is Kemba Walker?
Kemba Walker, born on May 8, 1990, is a retired American professional basketball player. He was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2011 NBA Draft after playing college basketball for the Connecticut Huskies.
In the 2010-11 season, Walker was the nation's second-leading scorer, a consensus first-team All-American, and led the Huskies to the NCAA championship, earning the Most Outstanding Player award. Walker became a four-time NBA All-Star, known for his time with the Charlotte Hornets, where he became the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He also played for the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Dallas Mavericks, as well as AS Monaco in the French League. Injuries affected his career in later years, leading to his retirement in 2024.
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Personal Information | Details |
Full Name | Kemba Hudley Walker |
Date of Birth | May 8, 1990 |
Age | 34 |
Birthplace | The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
Listed Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
Listed Weight | 184 lb (83 kg) |
College | University of Connecticut |
NBA Draft | 2011, 9th overall by Charlotte Bobcats |
Kemba Walker Career
Here's a simplified career overview of Kemba Walker:
Early Career and College
- Born: May 8, 1990, in The Bronx, New York, USA.
- College: Attended University of Connecticut (UConn) and graduated in three years.
- NBA Draft: Selected 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in the 2011 NBA Draft.
- Shoe Deal: Signed a multi-year deal with Under Armour as a rookie, the first from his draft class to do so.
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2011–2019)
- 2011–12 Season: Became starting point guard due to an injury, participated in the Rising Stars Challenge.
- 2012–13 Season: Recorded first game-winner against the Timberwolves, scored a career-high 35 points against the Rockets.
- 2013–14 Season: Hit buzzer-beater against Raptors, named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
- 2014–15 Season: Scored a franchise-record 42 points in a half against the Magic.
- 2015–16 Season: Set franchise record with 52 points in a game against the Jazz, named to first NBA All-Star Game.
- 2016–17 Season: Earned All-Star selection again, reached 8,000 career points with the Hornets.
- 2017–18 Season: Set career-high with 46 points in a game against the Grizzlies, became franchise scoring leader.
- 2018–19 Season: Named to All-NBA Third Team, reached 10,000 career points with the Hornets.
Boston Celtics (2019–2021)
- 2019–2020 Season: Joined Celtics via sign and trade, made debut against 76ers.
- 2020 NBA Playoffs: Helped Celtics reach Eastern Conference Finals, missed games due to knee issues.
New York Knicks (2021–2022)
- 2021 Offseason: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder, then signed with the New York Knicks.
- 2021–2022 Season: Recorded triple-double in a Christmas Day game, sidelined later due to knee problems.
Dallas Mavericks (2022–2023)
- 2022 Offseason: Signed with the Dallas Mavericks, waived in January 2023 after contributing significantly.
AS Monaco (2023–2024)
- 2023 Offseason: Joined AS Monaco in France, retired from professional basketball on July 2, 2024.
How Old is Kemba Walker?
Kemba Walker was born on May 8, 1990, making him 34 years old as of 2024. He hails from The Bronx, New York, USA, and attended Rice High School in Harlem, where he excelled in basketball. Walker's skills led him to become a McDonald's All-American and a standout player in the elite New York City Gauchos AAU program.
Kemba Walker Nickname
Kemba Walker earned the nickname "Cardiac Kemba" during his college basketball days at the University of Connecticut. This nickname stemmed from his knack for making clutch, game-winning shots, notably his buzzer-beating jumper in the 2011 Big East Tournament quarterfinals.
Walker's ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments endeared him to fans and solidified his reputation as a clutch player. His achievements at UConn, including leading the team to win the 2011 NCAA championship, further cemented his legacy as one of the most talented and resilient players in college basketball history.
Kemba Walker Stat
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
2011–12 | Charlotte | 66* | 25 | 27.2 | .366 | .305 | 4.4 | .9 | .3 | 12.1 |
2012–13 | Charlotte | 82* | 82* | 34.9 | .423 | .322 | 5.7 | 2.0 | .4 | 17.7 |
2013–14 | Charlotte | 73 | 73 | 35.8 | .393 | .333 | 6.1 | 1.2 | .4 | 17.7 |
2014–15 | Charlotte | 62 | 58 | 34.2 | .385 | .304 | 5.1 | 1.4 | .5 | 17.3 |
2015–16 | Charlotte | 81 | 81 | 35.6 | .427 | .371 | 5.2 | 1.6 | .5 | 20.9 |
2016–17 | Charlotte | 79 | 79 | 34.7 | .443 | .399 | 5.5 | 1.1 | .3 | 23.2 |
2017–18 | Charlotte | 80 | 80 | 34.2 | .431 | .384 | 5.6 | 1.1 | .3 | 22.1 |
2018–19 | Charlotte | 82* | 82* | 34.9 | .434 | .356 | 5.9 | 1.2 | .4 | 25.6 |
2019–20 | Boston | 56 | 56 | 31.1 | .425 | .381 | 4.8 | .9 | .5 | 20.4 |
2020–21 | Boston | 43 | 43 | 31.8 | .420 | .360 | 4.9 | 1.1 | .3 | 19.3 |
2021–22 | New York | 37 | 37 | 25.6 | .403 | .367 | 3.5 | .7 | .2 | 11.6 |
2022–23 | Dallas | 9 | 1 | 16.0 | .421 | .250 | 2.1 | .2 | .2 | 8.0 |
Career | 750 | 697 | 33.1 | .418 | .360 | 5.3 | 1.2 | .4 | 19.3 | |
All-Star | 4 | 2 | 21.0 | .452 | .280 | 4.5 | .8 | .0 | 11.3 |
Kemba Walker Networth
Kemba Walker, a prominent NBA player, has amassed an approximate net worth of around $80 million. His wealth primarily comes from his career in the NBA, where he played for several teams including the Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics. Known for his scoring ability and leadership on the court, Walker has also ventured into the Euroleague, currently playing for AS Monaco.