Charlotte Royalty, Kemba Walker, Retires

​Kemba Walker, affectionately known as Cardiac Kemba, has etched his name in the annals of Charlotte's basketball history. On Tuesday, July 2, Kemba Walker announced his retirement from basketball. His recent retirement announcement marks the end of an era for fans like myself, who have cherished his presence on the court since his electrifying debut.

I remember being a 12-year-old, somewhat indifferent to the NBA when Kemba first donned the Charlotte Bobcats jersey. The team wasn't topping the charts, but fans of the team had something to root for. When Kemba won the Rookie of the Year, my interest in the team began to take shape.

It might seem odd to hold Kemba in such high regard to the uninitiated, but to us in Charlotte, he was more than just a player; he was a phenomenon. In a league dominated by giants, Kemba's agility and speed were his superpowers. His ability to outmaneuver opponents and sink three-pointers with ease was nothing short of mesmerizing. He may not be the greatest of all time, but he was ours, and he was beloved.

Kemba's departure from the Hornets in the summer of 2019 was a bitter pill to swallow. The franchise faced a tough decision and opted for a sign-and-trade deal, sending Kemba to the Boston Celtics. The Hornets could have signed Kemba to a max deal where he would have made more than $50 million every year for five years, but that was not in the best interest of the franchise moving forward. The Hornets did a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics  where he was set to make $140 Million over four years. 

His tenure with the Celtics saw him play 99 games across two seasons, contributing to at least one NBA Playoff Series victory. Subsequent stints with the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks were short-lived, and his final professional season with AS Monaco was marred by injuries, likely influencing his decision to retire.

Despite the challenges of his later career, Kemba's legacy in Charlotte is untouchable. He holds multiple franchise records, including the highest-scoring game with 60 points against the 76ers in 2018, and still remains the leader in total points for the franchise. His impact extended beyond the court, as he was a role model in the community, volunteering with local organizations and mentoring youth.

As we bid farewell to a Charlotte legend, we reflect on the indelible mark he has left on the city. Kemba Walker, the March Madness Champion, four-time All-Star, and the heart of the Hornets, will always be remembered for the joy and excitement he brought to fans. His journey from a rookie sensation to a seasoned veteran has been nothing short of inspirational.

There aren't many players that come through Charlotte that make the kind of impact that Kemba has made, especially the Hornets. The Panthers have given us Cam Newton, Luke Keuchly, Thomas Davis, and many others. Kemba now joins the rankings of those who this city will forever love.