Kemba Walker, born on May 8, 1990, is a highly accomplished American professional basketball player who has made his mark in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his exceptional skills and leadership qualities, Walker most recently showcased his talent as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. Selected as the ninth overall pick by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2011 NBA draft, Walker’s journey to the professional ranks began after an impressive college career with the Connecticut Huskies.
During his time at UConn, Walker left an indelible mark on the basketball world. In the 2010-11 season, he emerged as the nation’s second-leading scorer, capturing attention with his scoring prowess and clutch performances. His exceptional contributions earned him the prestigious honor of being named a consensus first-team All-American. Moreover, Walker’s leadership skills were on full display as he led the Huskies to the 2011 NCAA championship, culminating in a remarkable tournament run. Recognized for his outstanding performances, he was bestowed with the Most Outstanding Player award, further solidifying his status as one of the premier talents in college basketball.
Discover everything you need to know about Kemba Walker, the accomplished basketball player. Learn about his age, height, family, siblings, college background, NBA career, stats, contract, salary, net worth, girlfriend, and more. Get all your questions answered in our comprehensive FAQs section. Explore the remarkable journey of Kemba Walker and gain insights into his professional and personal life.
Kemba Walker Biography/Wiki
| Full Name | Kemba Hudley Walker |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1990 |
| Birth Place | Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Nick Name | Kemba |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Father’s Name | Paul Walker |
| Mother’s Name | Andrea Walker |
| Siblings | 3; Akil Walker (Brother), Keya Walker (Brother), Sharifa Walker (Sister) |
| Education | Rice High School, University of Connecticut |
| Age | 33 Years Old |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 184 pounds (or 83 kg) |
| Body Build | Athletic |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Married | No |
| Partner | Marissa |
| Children | None |
| Profession | Basketball Player |
| Position in team | Point Guard |
| Shoots | Right |
| Jersey Number | 8 |
| Affiliations |
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| Salary | $3.44 million |
| Net Worth | $25 million |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
Kemba Walker Birthday
Kemba Walker, the American basketball player, celebrates his birthday on the 8th of May. Born in the year 1990, his zodiac sign is Taurus.
Kemba Walker Age
Kemba Walker, the renowned basketball player, was born on the 8th of May, 1990, making him currently 33 years old. Born in the vibrant borough of The Bronx in New York, Kemba Walker’s upbringing in the city played a significant role in shaping his passion for the game. Growing up in a basketball-rich environment, Walker was exposed to the sport from an early age, fueling his desire to pursue a career in basketball.
Kemba Walker Height
Standing tall at 1.83 meters or 6 feet, Kemba Walker possesses an impressive height, which contributes to his agility and skill on the basketball court.
Kemba Walker Weight
Kemba Walker currently weighs 83 kilograms or 184 pounds. His physical fitness and strength are essential assets in his performance as a professional basketball player.
Kemba Walker Parents
Kemba Walker was born to his parents, Paul Walker and Andrea Walker, in the Bronx, New York, America. They have played a significant role in supporting his basketball journey.
Kemba Walker Family
Growing up in Soundview, Bronx, New York, Kemba Walker is part of a close-knit family. His parents, Paul Walker and Andrea Walker, have instilled values and provided support throughout his life. He also has three siblings: Sharifa Nesbitt, Akil Nesbitt, and Keya Edwards.
Kemba Walker Nationality
Kemba Walker’s nationality is American. Born in Soundview, Bronx, New York, he proudly represents his country in the NBA and has become one of the top basketball players in the league.
Kemba Walker Agent
Kemba Walker is represented by two agents, Jeff Schwartz and Javon Philips. These agents play a crucial role in managing and negotiating his contracts, endorsements, and other professional opportunities in the basketball world.
High School Career
During his high school career at Rice High School in Harlem, New York City, Kemba Walker showcased his exceptional basketball skills. In a notable junior year game at Madison Square Garden, he led his team to a thrilling 53-51 victory against Simeon Career Academy, featuring senior guard Derrick Rose. As a senior, Walker averaged 18.2 points and 5.3 assists per game, earning him a spot on the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Team. He also had the opportunity to play for the elite New York City Gauchos, a top AAU basketball program, alongside future Big East Conference talents.
Walker’s high school team achieved great success and finished as the top-ranked team in the nation. Recognized as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Walker was ranked as the fifth-best point guard and the 14th-best player in the nation in 2008.
College Career
Freshman year
In his freshman year at the University of Connecticut, Kemba Walker made an immediate impact on the basketball court. He played in every game and was recognized for his contributions by being named to the Big East All-Rookie Team. Walker played a crucial role in helping the Huskies secure a number one seed in the 2009 NCAA tournament. Despite starting in only two games, he consistently played an average of 25.5 minutes per contest, demonstrating his significant playing time and importance to the team. Walker’s standout performance came in the Elite Eight matchup against Missouri, where he scored 23 points, helping UConn advance to the 2009 Final Four.
Sophomore year
In his sophomore year at the University of Connecticut, Kemba Walker continued to be a key player for the Huskies. He started in all 34 games of the 2009-2010 season, showcasing his reliability and importance to the team. Walker contributed an average of 14.6 points per game and emerged as the team’s leading scorer in eight of their last nine games, including an 18-point performance against Virginia Tech.
His impressive performances earned him recognition from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), as he was named to the First Team All-District. Despite their efforts, the Huskies fell short in the NCAA’s 2010 National Invitation Tournament, losing to Virginia Tech. The season ended with a relatively disappointing record of 18-16 overall and 7-11 in conference play for Connecticut.
Junior year
Kemba Walker’s junior year at the University of Connecticut (UConn) marked a significant leap in his basketball career. Averaging 26.7 points per game in 12 games, he became the nation’s top scorer and featured on a regional Sports Illustrated cover. Walker’s pivotal role extended to the 2011 Big East tournament.
He famously hit a buzzer-beating shot against Pittsburgh Panthers, led the team to the championship against Louisville Cardinals, and scored an unprecedented 130 points across five days, setting a record for any conference tournament in the past 15 seasons. UConn became the first team to win five games in five days and secure a conference championship.
Walker’s stellar performance during the season saw him named a First Team All-American and a finalist for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, in addition to receiving the Bob Cousy Award as the top point guard. In April 2011, Walker led UConn to an NCAA Division I Championship victory and was recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. He was also added to the Huskies of Honor, the first men’s player to receive this honor since 2006.
Kemba Walker’s Professional Career
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2011–2019)
Kemba Walker’s professional career kicked off in 2011 when he was selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA draft, after a successful run at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Walker made his mark in the league by signing a multi-year shoe deal with Under Armour, becoming the first rookie from his draft class to do so.
2011–12 season: Rookie season
Walker’s rookie season was quite promising. Despite a challenging lockout-shortened season, he quickly became the starting point guard for the Bobcats due to an injury to D. J. Augustin. His performance shone during a home game against the Washington Wizards where he secured his first triple-double with 20 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. However, the team ended the season with a disappointing record of 7-59.
2012–13 season: Sophomore season
The sophomore season saw Walker come into his own, scoring the first game-winner of his NBA career against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His performance led to selection with his teammate, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, for the 2013 Rising Stars Challenge. Walker averaged 16.7 points, 5.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1 steal per game in this season.
2013–14 season: First playoff appearance
The 2013-2014 season brought with it the first playoff appearance for Walker. A highlight of the season was when he achieved a career-high 16 assists in a game against the Detroit Pistons. Despite Al Jefferson’s injury, Walker stood out in the playoffs against against the Miami Heat in the playoffs, Walker delivered strong performances, including a 29-point game in Game 2. However, the Bobcats were swept in the first round.
2014–15 season: Hornets return
In 2014, the Bobcats officially changed their name back to the Charlotte Hornets. Walker was integral to the team this season, including a memorable 42-point performance against the Orlando Magic. Despite Walker’s efforts, the Hornets failed to make the playoffs.
2015–16 season: Career Highs
The 2015–2016 season saw Walker achieve career highs in points and field goal percentage. His outstanding performance helped the Hornets reach the playoffs for the second time in his career. He scored a playoff career-high 34 points in Game 4 against the Miami Heat, but the Hornets were eliminated in the first round.
2016–17 season: First All-Star Appearance
In the 2016-2017 season, Walker was selected for his first NBA All-Star Game as a reserve for the Eastern Conference. He became the first Charlotte player to receive this honor since Gerald Wallace in 2010.
2017–18 season: Franchise Scoring Record
In this season, Walker became the Charlotte Hornets’ all-time scoring leader, surpassing Dell Curry’s record. Despite Walker’s achievements, the Hornets did not make the playoffs.
2018–19 season: Third All-Star Appearance and Departure
The 2018-2019 season saw Walker’s third All-Star Game appearance and his first as a starter. He became the sixth player in franchise history to start in an All-Star Game. Despite his individual success, the Hornets again missed the playoffs, leading to Walker’s departure from the team in the summer of 2019.
Boston Celtics (2019–2021)
After a disappointing 2018-19 season, the Boston Celtics lost key players Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, leading to the signing of Kemba Walker in a $141 million, four-year deal. Making his debut in October 2019, Walker had a mixed start but eventually posted season-high scores in games against Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers. In January 2020, he achieved his first head-to-head victory against LeBron James, contributing to a significant Celtics win over the Lakers. Walker was selected for his fourth consecutive All-Star game as an Eastern Conference starter.
The season was disrupted due to COVID-19, but resumed with Walker helping the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals, despite suffering knee soreness. In December 2020, the Celtics announced Walker had received a stem cell injection in his left knee and would be sidelined for the start of the 2020–21 season. He made his season debut in January 2021.
In the 2021 playoffs, Walker was absent from games four and five against the Brooklyn Nets due to a knee injury, culminating in the Celtics losing the series. Walker’s time with the Celtics has been defined by his leadership and scoring ability, yet also marred by recurrent knee injuries.
New York Knicks (2021–2022)
Kemba Walker was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 18, 2021, along with draft picks. However, he reached a contract buyout agreement with the Thunder in August 2021, and shortly after, signed with the New York Knicks.
In his Knicks debut in October, Walker recorded 10 points and eight assists, contributing to a double-overtime victory over the Celtics. Despite being removed from the Knicks’ rotation in favor of Alec Burks in November, he reentered the rotation in December after an injury to Derrick Rose. On December 23, he scored a season-high 44 points, and on Christmas Day, he became the seventh player in NBA history to record a triple-double in a Christmas Day game.
Walker’s recurring knee problems, however, caused him to miss games in January 2022. By February, the Knicks and Walker agreed he would be sidelined for the rest of the season due to these health issues. His tenure with the Knicks has been marked by high scoring games and impressive assists but overshadowed by persistent knee injuries.
Dallas Mavericks (2022–2023)
In the 2022-2023 season, Kemba Walker was initially traded to the Detroit Pistons along with Jalen Duren’s draft rights in exchange for a future first-round selection on July 6, 2022. However, on October 17, Walker and the Pistons reached a contract buyout agreement.
Later, on November 28, 2022, Walker signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He had a standout performance on December 17, scoring a season-high 32 points, along with five rebounds and seven assists in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, on January 6, 2023, the Mavericks decided to waive Walker, ending his stint with the team.
Kemba Walker NBA Stats
Kemba Walker is a professional basketball player who has built an impressive NBA career with his sharp shooting and astute playmaking abilities. With his agility and crafty ball handling, Walker has been a formidable presence on the court for various teams throughout his career. The following paragraphs will outline his year-by-year performance from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
Early Career with the Hornets (2011-12 to 2018-19)
Kemba Walker kick-started his professional journey with the Hornets in 2011-12, averaging 12.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game over 66 games. Demonstrating a steady improvement, Walker notably upped his performance in 2012-13, increasing his points and assists per game to 17.7 and 5.7 respectively while playing in all 82 games.
Continuing his upward trajectory, Walker’s scoring average saw a significant increase to 20.9 points per game in the 2015-16 season, accompanied by 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, over 81 games. In the 2018-19 season, he reached the peak of his career with the Hornets, delivering a stellar performance with an average of 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals over 82 games.
Transition to the Celtics (2019-20 to 2020-21)
Walker joined the Boston Celtics in 2019 and immediately proved his worth, averaging 20.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 56 games. He maintained a steady performance in the 2020-21 season, contributing 19.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 4 rebounds over 43 games. His field goal and 3pt shooting percentages remained consistent at around 42% and 36% respectively.
Stint with the Knicks and the Mavericks (2021-22 to 2022-23)
In 2021-22, Walker moved to the New York Knicks, where he played 37 games and averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 3 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game. His tenure with the Knicks saw a dip in his scoring, but he maintained a solid 3pt shooting percentage of 36.7%.
As of the 2022-23 season, Walker has been playing for the Mavericks, appearing in 9 games so far and averaging 8 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 16 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency seems to have declined, with a field goal percentage of 42.1% and a 3pt shooting percentage of 25%.
Career Stats
Throughout his career spanning over a decade, Kemba Walker has played in 750 games with an average of 19.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His overall shooting percentages — 41.8% for field goals and 36% for three-pointers — showcase his consistent contribution as a scorer. Despite a recent downturn in his performance, Walker’s overall stats speak volumes about his impactful presence in the NBA.
Here’s a table of Kemba Walker’s year-wise career stats from the 2011-12 to the 2022-23 NBA seasons:
| Year | Team | GP | Min | Pts | FG% | 3pt% | Reb | Ast | Stl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | Hornets | 66 | 27.2 | 12.1 | 36.6 | 30.5 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 0.9 |
| 2012-13 | Hornets | 82 | 34.9 | 17.7 | 42.3 | 32.2 | 3.5 | 5.7 | 2.0 |
| 2013-14 | Hornets | 73 | 35.8 | 17.7 | 39.3 | 33.3 | 4.2 | 6.1 | 1.2 |
| 2014-15 | Hornets | 62 | 34.2 | 17.3 | 38.5 | 30.4 | 3.5 | 5.1 | 1.4 |
| 2015-16 | Hornets | 81 | 35.6 | 20.9 | 42.7 | 37.1 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 1.6 |
| 2016-17 | Hornets | 79 | 34.7 | 23.2 | 44.4 | 39.9 | 3.9 | 5.5 | 1.1 |
| 2017-18 | Hornets | 80 | 34.2 | 22.1 | 43.1 | 38.4 | 3.1 | 5.5 | 1.1 |
| 2018-19 | Hornets | 82 | 34.9 | 25.6 | 43.4 | 35.6 | 4.4 | 5.9 | 1.2 |
| 2019-20 | Celtics | 56 | 31.1 | 20.4 | 42.5 | 38.1 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 0.9 |
| 2020-21 | Celtics | 43 | 31.8 | 19.3 | 42.0 | 36.0 | 4.0 | 4.9 | 1.1 |
| 2021-22 | Knicks | 37 | 25.6 | 11.6 | 40.3 | 36.7 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 0.7 |
| 2022-23 | Mavericks | 9 | 16.0 | 8.0 | 42.1 | 25.0 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 0.2 |
| Career | – | 750 | 33.1 | 19.3 | 41.8 | 36.0 | 3.8 | 5.3 | 1.2 |
Kemba Walker & His Contract & Salary Details
Kemba Walker, the seasoned NBA player with a 12-year experience under his belt, entered into a contract with the New York Knicks for a duration of two years. The total value of this contract was $17,894,491, which was fully guaranteed. Walker’s average annual salary under this contract was approximately $8,947,246. For the 2022-23 season, Walker’s base salary was set at $9,165,471, which was also the cap hit and the dead cap value for the Knicks.
However, Walker’s journey with the Knicks came to an end and he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. His time with the Pistons was short-lived and he was waived off in October 2022, leaving behind a dead cap of $9.17 million. Soon after, Walker found a new home with the Dallas Mavericks and signed a Rest-of-Season contract with them. However, his stint with the Mavericks too was cut short and he was waived off in January 2023, which resulted in a dead cap of $684,712 for the Mavericks.
During his six weeks with the Mavericks, Walker had an average of eight points in 16 minutes per game over nine appearances. His tenure with the team ended right before his salary would have been guaranteed for the rest of the season. In his final game for the Mavericks, he scored two points in two minutes. Despite performing well in limited minutes, it was decided by the team that they could continue without him, primarily due to the availability of a healthy group of guards.
Kemba Walker & His Injury Issues
Kemba Walker’s career has been marked by highs and lows. After spending eight seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, he moved to the Boston Celtics on a maximum contract and played for them from 2019 until 2021. Unfortunately, knee trouble has plagued his career, and he had to sit out the start of the 2021-22 season following a stem cell injection for pain relief. His knee health was a concern even when he joined the Mavericks, with their General Manager Nico Harrison acknowledging that Walker’s knee condition was not good, despite him having rehabbed it to the best condition it had been in the last two years.
Before signing with the Mavericks, Walker spent the first six weeks of the season training independently after being waived by the Pistons. During his time with the Knicks, he had agreed to be sidelined for the rest of the 2021-22 season after averaging career lows of 11.6 points and 3.5 assists in 37 games. However, he had some notable moments with the Knicks, including a 44-point performance against the Washington Wizards and a historic triple-double on Christmas Day.
Despite the fluctuations in his career, Walker has continued to demonstrate resilience and a positive attitude, once stating that he “had more in the tank for sure.” This attitude combined with his experience makes him a valuable asset in the NBA, even as his path continues to unfold.
Kemba Walker’s Net Worth
Kemba Walker, an American professional basketball player, has an estimated net worth of approximately $25 million as of 2023. Most of this wealth comes from his professional basketball career, including a $50 million deal that will conclude in 2023. His residence is spread across Massachusetts, Detroit, and New York.
Kemba Walker’s Salary Details
Walker’s salary is a significant component of his net worth. His deal with the Detroit Pistons was set to pay him $9 million in 2023, and he previously had a contract with the Oklahoma Thunder, which was expected to pay him $28 million, although it is no longer in effect.
Endorsements by Kemba Walker
Walker is well-known for his endorsements. He has partnered with brands like BodyArmor, JBL, Rastaclat, Sprite, Venmo, Tissot, and Xbox. After his contract with Under Armour ended in 2015, he signed an agreement with Jordan Brand. Such endorsements bring a significant portion of his income, with endorsement earnings estimated at $3 million.
Kemba Walker’s Investments and Other Sources of Income
In addition to his salary and endorsement deals, Walker’s estimated earnings of $3 million mainly come from sponsorships and other income sources linked to his professional basketball career.
Kemba Walker’s Real Estate
Walker has made significant investments in real estate. He purchased an 8000 square foot home in Charlotte in 2014, with an estimated value of $2.5 million. The house features luxurious fittings, including limestone-carved columns, a large kitchen with high-end equipment, and ensuite bathroom bedrooms with tray ceilings. After joining the Celtics, Walker bought a 9,500 square foot home for $11.25 million in 2019, which he agreed to sell off-market in 2021.
Kemba Walker’s Cars
Walker owns premium cars, including a Jaguar, White Nissan, and Blue Nissan, reflecting his taste for luxury.
Charity Work by Kemba Walker
Walker also engages in charitable activities. He runs a free basketball youth center in the Bronx, New York. Furthermore, he contributes to the Kevin Shaw Jr. Foundation, which offers grants to Black high school students about to enroll in their first year of college.
Kemba Walker Girlfriend: Marissa
Kemba Walker, the talented player for the New York Knicks, is officially off the market. On his 32nd birthday, he celebrated with a special tribute from R&B singer Marissa, confirming their relationship.
Although internet sleuths had speculated about their connection for some time, it was the first time the couple shared their relationship on social media. Marissa’s Instagram post featured eight photos of the couple together, showcasing their outings in a recording studio, on a private plane, and enjoying cocktails. In the caption, Marissa expressed her love for Kemba, writing, “Happy Birthday My Love, there’s no one like you ❤️.”
Fans of Kemba Walker were quick to notice Marissa’s presence at a Knicks game in October 2021. She was seen wearing Walker’s jersey, causing excitement among supporters. While Marissa had previously kept Walker’s identity anonymous in her tweets, she frequently mentioned her romantic partner.
On Valentine’s Day, she tweeted, “Bae never misses,” hinting at the surprise Kemba had planned for her. Marissa also shared photos from their date night on her Instagram, further confirming their relationship and giving fans a glimpse into their happy moments together.
FAQs
When is Kemba Walker’s birthday?
Kemba Walker celebrates his birthday on the 8th of May.
How old is Kemba Walker?
Kemba Walker was born on May 8, 1990, which makes him currently 33 years old.
What is Kemba Walker’s height?
Kemba Walker stands at a height of 1.83 meters or 6 feet.
How much does Kemba Walker weigh?
Kemba Walker currently weighs 83 kilograms or 184 pounds.
Who are Kemba Walker’s parents?
Kemba Walker’s parents are Paul Walker and Andrea Walker, and they have been a significant support system throughout his basketball journey.
Does Kemba Walker have any siblings?
Yes, Kemba Walker has three siblings named Sharifa Nesbitt, Akil Nesbitt, and Keya Edwards. They have grown up together in Soundview, Bronx, New York.
What is Kemba Walker’s nationality?
Kemba Walker is American. He was born in Soundview, Bronx, New York, and proudly represents his country in the NBA.
Who are Kemba Walker’s agents?
Kemba Walker is represented by two agents named Jeff Schwartz and Javon Philips. They play a crucial role in managing his contracts, endorsements, and other professional opportunities in the basketball world.
