Charlotte’s all-time leading scorer is hanging up his sneakers.
Kemba Walker, who dazzled Spectrum Center crowds during his eight seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, has called it a career, officially retiring from playing professional basketball. The 34-year-old made the announcement Tuesday, explaining he felt it’s the appropriate time to shift gears.
“Basketball has done more for me than I could’ve ever imagined,” Walker said in a statement posted on his social media accounts, “and I’m super thankful for the amazing journey I’ve had.”
Drafted ninth overall by the organization in 2011 when it was still called the Bobcats, Walker experienced plenty of highs and lows in Charlotte, including the franchise-worst 7-59 campaign during his rookie season in 2011-12.