Former Dallas Mavericks Guard Retires After Distinguished 12-Year NBA Career
Kemba Walker, a former guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has announced his retirement after a notable 12-year NBA career and spending the past year playing overseas. Although he played only nine games for the Mavericks in the 2022-23 season, he made a memorable impact with a 32-point game against the Cavaliers.
Walker made his retirement official on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, “7PM In Brooklyn.” As a New York native, it was fitting for him to announce his retirement on a New York-themed show. While Walker is best remembered for his time with the Charlotte Hornets, the Mavericks had pursued him vigorously in the 2019 offseason. Instead, he joined the Boston Celtics, filling the void left by current Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who had moved to the Brooklyn Nets. At 29, Walker’s knees were already deteriorating, limiting his tenure with the Celtics to two seasons before being traded to the Thunder in exchange for Al Horford.
Walker, a four-time All-Star, is also celebrated for hitting one of the most iconic shots in NCAA history—a step-back jumper that defeated Pittsburgh. He led UConn to an impressive run, winning both the Big East and NCAA Championships that season. With his retirement, the Mavericks officially became the last NBA team he played for.
