Former UConn and Celtics star Kemba Walker announces retirement from basketball

Walker averaged 19.3 points in 750 regular-season games with the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2011-19), Celtics (2019-21), New York Knicks (2021-22) and Dallas Mavericks (2023). Walker is Charlotte’s all-time leading scorer with 12,009 points, ahead of Dell Curry (9,839).

He made four consecutive All-Star Game appearances from 2017 to 2020 and was selected to the NBA’s Third Team in the 2018–19 season, his final year with Charlotte.

That followed a stellar college career at UConn. Walker led UConn to a national title in 2011 and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four that year.

“I know I couldn’t have gotten to this point without my incredible support system around me,” Walker said. “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.

“Basketball will always be a part of my life, so this is not goodbye. I’m excited for what’s to come.”