While a good number of players make the NBA, not many have the power to stay in the league for more than five years. To say that you played in the greatest pro basketball league in the world for five years is an incredible achievement, even if it’s for a franchise like the Charlotte Hornets.
If staying in the league for five years is tough, you can only imagine the pride a player can feel if he can say he played in the NBA for more than a decade.
Even if he doesn’t win any championships in his playing days, the fact that he was good enough to stay in a league where there’s always an influx of talent coming in every year is a testament to your skills as a baller.
This is what Kemba Walker can say to his loved ones when his NBA career is brought up.
Former Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker retires from basketball after 12 NBA seasons
Kemba Walker was a matchup nightmare for coaches whenever they had to face the Hornets. He was the only bright spot in a Hornets squad that struggled to build a strong-enough roster for its star players.
The UConn product, who won four All-Star nods during his peak years, used social media to announce his retirement from the sport he’s known and loved all his life.
Per the Associated Press:
“This has all been a dream,” Walker said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “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,” 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 forever be a part of my life, so this isn’t goodbye. I’m excited for what’s next.”
Kemba was a walking bucket during his time in the NBA. The 34-year-old has an impressive career averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals across 750 games for the Hornets, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks.
Cardiac Kemba may not end up in the Hall of Fame, but those who had the pleasure of watching him play will miss his heroics on the NBA hardwood.
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