When Kemba Walker announced his retirement from his playing career Tuesday, it sounded like he was still going to stick around the game. That will indeed be the case as Walker will rejoin the Hornets, joining Charlotte coach Charles Lee’s coaching staff. The team officially announced Lee’s coaching staff Wednesday, which included a pair of former Celtics assistants.
Walker will be a player enhancement coach on Lee’s staff. Lee spent the 2023-24 season as the top assistant for the Celtics on Joe Mazzulla’s staff. He was named the Hornets head coach midway through the Celtics’ title run as Lee won it all before heading off to his next step.
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Walker, 34, enjoyed a 12-year NBA playing career, including being named an All-Star four different times. He rose to stardom with the Hornets, where he played for eight seasons from 2011-19. Walker spent two seasons with the Celtics from 2019-21, including being named an All-Star in 2020. Walker briefly played overseas last season in France before calling it a playing career.
Now, Walker gets to enjoy the next step of his life as he’ll enter the coaching ranks around the Hornets. Charlotte finished 21-61 last season as it’ll look to bounce-back with Lee leading the way. Here’s Walker’s full retirement statement he released Tuesday:
“I want to start this by thanking God for everything he has given me. Basketball has done more for me than I could’ve ever imagined, and I am super thankful for the amazing journey I’ve had.
“With that, I’m here to share that I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. This has all been a dream. 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 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.”
