Author: Monojit Mandal
Former Dallas Mavericks point guard Kemba Walker is starting a new chapter in his basketball career by signing a one-year contract with Euroleague club AS Monaco, the team announced on Friday.
Walker, 33, was let go by the Dallas Mavericks at the beginning of January and has started looking for new opportunities abroad. Walker’s spectacular career began when he was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, where he showcased his skills and talents in college basketball, most notably helping UConn win the national title in 2011.
Walker was acquired by the Boston Celtics in 2019 and had a fantastic debut season, earning All-Star honors. However, injuries hampered his full stint with the Celtics, which eventually resulted in him being traded to the New York Knicks in 2021. Walker played 37 games with the Knicks during the 2021-22 season, averaging 19.3 points and 5.3 assists per game in his NBA career.
Walker is now expected to join AS Monaco, a team coming off the back of a successful season. Last season, the team reached the Final Four of the EuroLeague and won the LNB Pro A title after beating Metropolitans 92. Walker’s arrival is expected to improve the team’s squad and increase their prospects of success next season.
Walker is known for his scoring skills and ability to create opportunities for his teammates, but his brilliance goes beyond the court, as he is also a capable defender and rebounder, despite his height. With these vital qualities, he has been an indispensable addition to every NBA club he has played for, and his presence is considered a major boost to AS Monaco’s ambitions.
Walker began his basketball career at Rice High School in the Bronx, New York, where he quickly gained popularity, receiving awards such as McDonald’s All-American and Parade All-American. His excellent performance in high school helped him become one of the country’s top college basketball recruits, choosing to play at the University of Connecticut.
Walker’s popularity continued to grow at UConn, and he was recognized as a great player in the Big East league.