Kemba Walker retires after 12 NBA seasons: ‘All been a dream’

Kemba Walker is calling it a career. 

The four-time NBA All-Star and Bronx native announced his retirement Tuesday after 12 NBA seasons. The 34-year-old spent this past season with French team AS Monaco. 

“This has all been a dream,” Walker said in a statement published on social media. “When I look back, I still can’t believe the things I achieved in my career. 

“I know I couldn’t have made it to this point without my incredible support system around me. 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 forever be a part of my life so this isn’t goodbye. I’m excited for what’s next.” 

Walker, who appeared in 37 games for the Knicks during the 2021-22 season, saw his career derailed by injuries the past several seasons.

He finished his NBA career with 19.3 points, 5.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. 

He was a national champion and All-American at UConn in 2011 — averaging 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists during his junior year.

One of his signature moments came in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals that year, when he hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer to upset Pittsburgh, prompting an iconic call from ESPN’s Dave Pasch. 

“Cardiac Kemba does it again!” Pasch exclaimed. 

The then-Charlotte Bobcats drafted Walker at No. 9 overall in 2011.

He starred for the club, which got its Hornets name back in 2014, for eight seasons.

He averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game in 2018-19, his final season in Charlotte, including the third of his four consecutive All-Star nods. 

After two seasons with the Celtics, he was traded to and subsequently waived by the Thunder, and the Knicks then signed him as a free agent. 

The Rice High School product had a few electric moments at the Garden — including a 44-point barrage against the Wizards on Dec. 23, 2021, followed by a triple-double on Christmas Day.

Knee issues limited his availability and production, and in February 2022 he and the Knicks agreed he would not play for the rest of the season. 

The Knicks traded Walker to the Pistons two years ago, and he was bought out by Detroit.

He signed with the Mavericks that November but was waived in January 2023 after making nine appearances for Dallas.