Author: Monojit Mandal
In an unexpected move, four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker has signed for AS Monaco of the LNB Pro A in France to begin the next chapter of his basketball career. The move to the European league comes after two unsuccessful seasons in the NBA, most recently with the Dallas Mavericks.
Walker’s decision to leave the NBA to compete in Europe attracted a lot of attention as he was one of the most renowned players to do so. Although the basketball world is intrigued by his future intentions, the 33-year-old point guard isn’t sure if he would return to the NBA. His main focus at the moment is to embrace this new journey and seize the chance that awaits him in Monaco.
Walker revealed in his first interview after joining AS Monaco: “I’m not sure. I mean, obviously, the NBA is the ultimate goal, but I’ve been playing there for a long time. For now, I’m totally focused on my new journey, this experience that will come with my new life. I’m very excited and looking forward to taking my chance in Monaco. I’m excited to see the city and meet the people, my teammates, the staff and everything else associated with the club. There will be some memorable moments. I can’t wait to get started.“
Kemba Walker was widely regarded as one of the NBA’s best point guards in the 2010s. For most of his career, he was the only star of a failing Charlotte Hornets team. His best season was 2018-19, his last with the Hornets, when he averaged 25.6 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals.
However, the trajectory of his career was hampered by chronic knee problems. After joining the Boston Celtics, he saw his position significantly reduced, and his subsequent experiences with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks didn’t produce the results he had hoped for. Walker’s ideal season as an NBA All-Star in 2019 seemed like a distant memory.
Kemba Walker sees his move to AS Monaco as a chance for a fresh start. He is grateful for the club’s confidence in his ability and hopes to play a more important role in the team, as long as he stays healthy.
“The club was very interested in me, and I just wanted to be part of a club that wanted me and believed in me,” said Walker. “I realized that the directors thought I could help them progress. That’s what persuaded and motivated me to join Monaco. What’s more, it’s an exceptional city in which I’d like to spend some time and gain new life experiences. So it’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m excited about the chance. I just want to keep playing basketball at a high level, and Monaco allows me to do that.“