During his remarkable college tenure, Walker averaged 16.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 111 games. His stellar performance in 2011 also earned him both the Bob Cousy Award and the Lute Olson Award, alongside his selection to the McDonald’s All-American Team in 2008, underscoring his early promise. Drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2011 NBA draft, Walker spent eight seasons with the Charlotte franchise (Bobcats/Hornets), becoming their all-time leading scorer. A testament to his consistent high-level play, he earned three NBA All-Star selections (2017, 2018, 2019) and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2019 during his time in Charlotte.
Known for his explosive scoring and leadership, Walker achieved significant career highs, including 60 points against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, 16 assists against the Detroit Pistons in 2014, and 8 steals against the Dallas Mavericks in 2012. Walker’s professional journey continued with impactful stints across the league, including with the Boston Celtics from 2019 to 2021, where he earned his fourth NBA All-Star selection in 2020. He then played for the New York Knicks from 2021 to 2022 and the Dallas Mavericks from 2022 to 2023. Following his extensive NBA career, Walker ventured into international competition, joining AS Monaco in the EuroLeague for the 20232024 season, where he contributed to the team’s LNB Élite championship victory.
In July 2024, Walker officially retired from playing professional basketball, culminating a celebrated career spanning over a decade at the highest levels. Immediately following his retirement, he returned to the Charlotte Hornets organization, taking on the role of Player Enhancement Coach. In this capacity, Walker leverages his deep understanding of the game and his extensive NBA experience to mentor and develop emerging talent for the franchise, further solidifying his enduring impact on the sport.