Kemba Walker making a basketball comeback

Kemba Walker may have hung up his NBA sneakers, but he’s far from done with basketball.

The former Charlotte Hornets icon and four-time NBA All-Star has found a new summer gig—and it’s not behind a desk. Walker is officially returning to the court as part of the BIG3 league for the 2025 season, giving fans in the Queen City and beyond a fresh chance to witness his signature handles and clutch gene.

Walker’s connection to Charlotte runs deep. Drafted ninth overall in 2011 by the then-Bobcats, Walker spent eight electrifying seasons in the city, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in points, field goals, and minutes played. From buzzer-beaters to All-Star nods, he was the heartbeat of a franchise searching for stability—and for many fans, still is. His No. 15 jersey isn’t in the rafters yet, but it’s already cemented in Hornets lore.

After officially retiring from professional basketball in July 2024, Walker is lacing them up again for the summer, joining Ice Cube’s BIG3—a high-octane, 3-on-3 league that kicks off June 14 in Chicago. While his team has yet to be announced, anticipation is building. The league is leaning into a new city-based format this season, and Walker’s star power only adds fuel. He joins fellow ex-NBA standout Dwight Howard as one of the marquee additions for 2025.

Persistent knee injuries derailed what once looked like a Hall of Fame path. Walker appeared in just 145 NBA games over his final four seasons, including a short stint with the Dallas Mavericks and a final run with AS Monaco in the EuroLeague. But now, the BIG3 offers a unique stage—less grind, more creativity—for a player built for the spotlight.

Hornets fans who’ve missed Kemba’s flair now have a reason to tune in this summer. Whether you cheered for him from the Hive or watched him break ankles on national TV, his return to competitive basketball is must-watch. Circle June 14 on the calendar—Kemba’s back. And he’s not done dancing yet.