Kemba Walker Returns to Charlotte Hornets in Coaching Role

Former All-Star guard Kemba Walker is returning to the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent eight seasons as a player, in a new role as player enhancement coach.

Kemba Walker, the Charlotte Hornets' all-time leading scorer, is returning to the franchise as a player enhancement coach. Walker, who announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday, was one of several assistants hired to be on new head coach Charles Lee's staff on Wednesday.

The Hornets also hired Lamar Skeeter, Josh Longstaff, Chris Jent, Blaine Mueller, Ryan Frazier, Matt Hill, and Jermaine Bucknor as Lee finalized his staff.

Walker, a four-time NBA All-Star and a 2018-19 All-NBA third-team selection, is also the Hornets' leader in field goals, 3-pointers, free throws, and minutes played. He is second in assists and third in steals.

After 12 years in the NBA, Walker won the French League championship this season with AS Monaco.

Charlotte also hired Zach Peterson as assistant coach/director of player development and added Austin Vereen and Zach Thomas as video coordinators. The Hornets hired Reggie Cameron as an associate video coordinator and two-way enhancement coach, in addition to retaining John Bowen as a video coordinator.

Walker's return to Charlotte is a homecoming for the popular guard, who spent eight seasons with the Hornets from 2011 to 2019. He was a key member of the team's playoff run in 2016, when the Hornets lost to the Miami Heat in the second round.

Walker was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2019, and he spent two seasons there before being traded to the New York Knicks in 2021. He played 37 games for the Knicks last season before being waived in February.

Walker's retirement from the NBA was not a surprise, as he had been struggling with knee injuries in recent years. However, his return to Charlotte in a coaching role is a positive development for the Hornets, who are looking to improve on their 43-39 record from last season.

Lee, who was hired as the Hornets' head coach in April, is excited to have Walker on his staff.

"Kemba is a great addition to our staff," Lee said. "He has a wealth of experience as a player, and he knows what it takes to be successful in this league. He's also a great leader, and he'll be a valuable asset to our young players."

Walker is excited to be back in Charlotte, and he is looking forward to helping the Hornets improve.

"I'm thrilled to be back in Charlotte," Walker said. "I have a lot of great memories here, and I'm excited to be a part of this team again. I'm looking forward to working with Coach Lee and the rest of the staff, and I'm confident that we can help this team reach its potential."

Walker's return to Charlotte is a reminder of the special bond that he has with the city and the Hornets' fans. He is one of the most popular players in franchise history, and his return is sure to be welcomed by the Hornets' faithful.