Kemba Walker Reflects on Career, Mentorship from Michael Jordan, Iconic UCONN Run & More

New York City's own Kemba Walker stopped by 7PM in Brooklyn to exclusively announce his retirement from the NBA, reflect on his career, share stories of Michael Jordan's mentorship, his own historic run at UCONN, and much more. Tap IN!
0:00 Start
9:00 Being A Top NY Point Guard
13:35 Growing Up In The Bronx
18:55 Deciding To Go To UConn
21:45 Kemba Stepback Season
29:55 Harder to win a NCAA Championship or NBA Championship?
36:00 What’s Next After Retiring?
38:00 7 PM Moment
42:30 Mindset During End NBA Career
49:19 Playing for the Knicks & Boston
51:20 Friendships In The NBA
52:25 Bubble Experience
59:45 Playing for Michael Jordan
1:07:50 FWIorFOH
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[@itsabraham1824]

Game aside cause we all know Kemba was cold asf but this dude one of the nicest human beings you’ll ever meet. So genuine. Best of luck to you post career Kemba.

[@everydayballers7129]

😢😢😢😢🎉😢😢😢😢🎉🎉😢😢😢😢😢😢🎉😢😢😢😢

[@everydayballers7129]

😮😮😮😮😢😮😮😮😮😮😢😮😮😢😢😢😮

[@bxgp228]

Facts

[@centinelyork]

Big Facts but the shimmy when he thought he made the 3, then it rattled out is funny ish!

[@ElgramoIbarra]

You can tell how humble he is

[@_soles7681]

Man if you from the Bronx! You know how much Kemba Walker means to the X. This shit legendary! We don’t get sit-downs with Kemba often. LEGEND!!! Hell of a career.

[@DisplacedAfrican1]

10473

[@_soles7681]

@@DisplacedAfrican1 You know that vibes!

[@DisplacedAfrican1]

@@_soles7681 🫡

[@MrJustind886]

10473 in full effect

[@dariuschisholm7317]

Charlotte wasted that man career😢😢😮😮

[@SDM007-1]

As a UConn husky who’s resided in Charlotte since ‘13 Kemba will forever be a legend. Cardiac cat!!

[@teezyjames596]

CT up 🫡

[@KingKnight1279]

That big east tournament and march madness run was LEGENDARY 💯

[@kel170]

Hearing those words of retirement put tears in my eyes. We all love Kemba!

[@Ho11is2Ho11ywood]

As a Knicks fan, i hate how our fanbase never appreciates homegrown NYC talent until they leave unceremoniously. Salute to Kemba. Class act, overachiever. Certified Ankle snatcher

[@CHYLLofficial]

He was a shell of himself on the Knicks…it was sad

[@Ho11is2Ho11ywood]

​@@CHYLLofficial Thibs also did him dirty. Who publicly announces a player is gonna be removed from the rotation? What good did that do?

[@fabo0913]

@@CHYLLofficial Yeah bc his knees were cooked. Not his fault. Not like he was going out there an mailing it in for a pay check.

[@DemoTrucking]

@Ho11is2Ho11ywood 100% the list is so long its ridiculous, great, and terrible fans at the same time. Management is to blame as well they've never placed the stars in great position with the right pieces

[@MarcusTheJR]

50 points on MLK Day. I will never forget watching him COOK

[@jaywho3737]

Was at work watching on my phone 😂

[@wesleysmith9959]

7PM has one of the best comment sections I’ve seen on KZbin, nothing but positivity and appreciation for Kemba, the brand in strong 💪

[@garyham197]

Kemba is definitely one of them ones. Now that you announced your retirement. I love the humbleness but we need that knowledge king. Throw a camp in Charlotte, start an Aau team or something. NY guards have a lot to give. Salute king.

[@sammcglynn5625]

He's working with the Hornets now

[@celebneilz1023]

Who the hell is Kenna ?

[@nikkiojinnaka3063]

I love how he showed love to my hometown!! Charlotte is a beautiful city and the nicest people and it’s clean and a great place to live! Thank you Kemba 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@uhclebrown]

❤

[@balance4123]

Shout to Charlotte from the 412🖤💛

[@jarrellmason9080]

Glad that Kemba getting his flowers. Heck of a run and good look by Hornets to put him on coaching staff. Not a UConn fan but his NCAA tourney run is what legends are made of.

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

That kardiac Kemba call will go down in basketball history-- salute to that man and his career. He literally is one of my favorites just off the sheer scale of his story, obstacles, longevity.. man congratulations king! You did that!

[@vanessagrayman2194]

I love how he revere his parents.

[@laugh-cry-n-think_]

Crazy. He can still be in the league. Shout out to him getting that bag from Boston though lol 😂

[@dremoore5329]

He was a all star in boston

[@JIGGALANSKY]

Yea I loved that we had him but we just didn’t need him as krazy as that sounds lol

[@ProdbyGrimeyred]

He can't play no more. His knees been finished for at least 5yrs.

[@griand21]

Nah hes cooked. Injuries did him in.

[@JIGGALANSKY]

@@griand21 wouldn’t say cooked … he just went crazy overseas lol .. cooked to play in the nba ? Yea lol

[@McChillson]

For some reason I'm blaming Michael Jordan. Kemba was too talented not to have a decent squad in Charlotte.

[@colinwilkins3338]

Not for some reason Every got damn reason, just as good as Jordan was as a player he was just as bad as an owner

[@PanagiotisAraujo11]

The run with UConn,was legendary! I'm fan of Kemba since then. At his prime,was very special!In Charlotte,was so fun to watch!A REAL BALLER and a pure hooper,he also seems a down to earth and very chill guy. Enjoy your retirement G,salute!

[@DemoTrucking]

Because of Kemba's humbleness, people sleep. This man is a HOF low-key.

[@tadah21]

Nawww but he will have his jersey retired and if he not already he will make nyc sports hall of fame. Not NBA though

[@DemoTrucking]

@tadah21 I didn't say 1st ballot, but if Bill Walton bless the dead, made it. Kemba, based on college and the pro's should be considered over time. Injuries cut him short like Walton

[@Pop_Richie]

Yeah, it’s good that it’s the BASKETBALL Hall of Fame, and not the NBA, meaning college plays a part and I think he will go one day

[@matthewwangerin6951]

So quite a few years ago, I was at the Peach Jam, watching my former college teammate coach the Gauchos to the championship. Few years later, he said "remember that point guard that was going mad hard on defense? That was Kemba." So that was my intro to Kemba. His ball defense was unreal. Years later I was a highlight producer at NBA TV. My team was Charlotte. I did the highlight for all of their home games. I always made sure I put Kemba's nastiest stuff in the highlight. Many times my editors got angry at me when I told them to swap out a play for an even better crossover, step back. He did his thing One last thing. Charlotte had sensitive microphones on their goals so you could hear everything. Let me just say, wasn't anybody in the league more ferocious with the trash talk than Carmelo!! And he was loud! STRAIGHT BULLY

[@kc7131]

Salute 2 the Young King! A Class Act! We Love U Kemba! NY Standup!!!....

[@terrencepaulin3986]

Salute to Kemba. We are so quick to move past the greatness of folks to stay in the negative. Had a great career and I’m happy that he feels good about his path. God bless B 🙏🏾

[@tjcollects7749]

As big Kemba Walker fan, I’m really shocked on the retirement, damn I knew he can still play, anyone remember his Dallas game against the cavs? I was like watching hornets kemba in that game. But it is what it is, he defy all the odds, one of the best ever to play the game under 6 feet. Forever in our hearts cardiac Kemba, mainly the reason why I’m a hornets fan. Happy retirement my guy

[@coryvice7975]

Knees is gone

[@RacerNight86]

NY in the building, yall know the Vibes!!!🤝🏾🫡

[@tomasgreer1098]

YKTV QGTM

[@Richiewav]

The precursor to the "Brunson" 2k Player Build. greatest step back in basketball history, most clutch moments in NY basketball history. and that's M**** F****ING FACT

[@MidtownMeezus]

Mero has a good streetball announcer voice, speak dumb fast and got mad nicknames

[@HALFBREEDMUGEN]

Enjoy the next chapter of life Kemba.

[@BristolBerg]

My G was in Monaco playing and living like a king

[@tls5219]

I remember being a freshman at Penn State and watching Kemba/UConn and Cuse get into that epic battle. That was one of THE greatest basketball games of all time. Then we drafted him to Charlotte. I thought we were conference title bound but we just couldn't get the right team around him at the right time. Glad to have him back as a coach!

[@maxwellarthur4226]

statistically wise, you might have to say the body of work that he put in the NBA you might have to say Kamba Walker top three-point guard ever to come out of New York

[@bxgp228]

I'm from the BX, straight facts Kemba was giving that work.

[@trevorsamuels357]

Giving props to Tiny, alot of people don't know. When they talk about small guards he is barely mentioned. Iverson, Isiah and anyone else you want to mention did their thing no doubt. Tiny was rocking the league when high school players and only a few underclassmen in college could not venture in these s waters called the NBA. He toned it down during NBA games. At the Rucker he toyed with pros all day. Salute!!!!!!

[@MAC_VEST_SKIMASK]

melo was talking about eastern invitational basketball camp

[@leorocker180]

Kemba is a real humble dude, congratulations on a great career.

[@brianwongwon9785]

Two of the best tourney runs in history in this episode..Kemba is that dude. Bleed blue!

[@alpha_nyc]

I WENT TO THAT MIDDLE SCHOOL & I KNEW MR.NICK ! KEMBA BEEN THE GOAT IN THE BRONX !!!

[@robinjackson7540]

IMO- Kemba Walker and UCONN championship run is the best in the history of college hoops. They started the regular season unranked, and l went into to big east tourney on a multiple game losing streak, and then proceeded to RUN the board all the way the championship. Pound for pound, Kemba got the best player performance in NCAA tourney history. IMO.

[@faf8609]

My guy! Since the “Thirsty Dog” Salute to bringing energy to the state, and leaving a legend!

[@CaptainEvo85]

For the longest time I wish he was on the knicks. But once a Knick, always a Knick. Good luck n hope a new chapter opens up for Kemba. 😢

[@Russell843]

Love this damn show 😂

[@kevrodriguezknicksnishknic7426]

Ain't gonna lie when I found out Kemba was a Knick. I was so hype wish it would've ended better than what it did, but it is what it is no love ever lost salute to KW 🫡🫡🫡

[@causeyouonthatgame3684]

Keep the energy going! One of my favorite hoop podcasts already

[@gameboy_sd]

Preciate that episode 🙏🏾🙏🏾 love my boy kwalk 🫡

[@barsaahmadian6888]

Kemba had one of the most underrated careers

[@Tblokk89]

Much love to Kemba. Bx!!!

[@ogg7490]

We loved kemba in Boston 🍀🍀🍀bro was cooking sad it couldn’t work out

[@teezyjames596]

Them knees was cooked

[@Ho11is2Ho11ywood]

Yall should get Jamal Mashburn on the show. NYC legend that doesn't get the props he deserves both for his game and his success off the court.

[@davidcalixte9785]

Thank you Kemba one of the greatest uconn players to do the greatest bobcat you deserve everything you earned

[@DC_202.]

Kemba a great dude! Class act guy. Great career.

[@yvonneshelton2505]

We love Kemba

[@leronnspaternalpresencepod5247]

Good shit! Never seen a Kemba interview. Bx Stand up!

[@wiltchamb8789]

I seen the shot live! Til this day 1 of the best gamewinners ever

[@MmmmPancake]

Kemba's tourney run made me a fan of college basketball. Put NYC point guards on the main stage again.

[@Icyjonn]

Yessuh Kamba 🤞🏾

[@FirmOpinions]

Legendary Interview

[@risan214]

Big up to Soundview. My mom and my dad grew up in Soundview. Big up to the Carson family.

[@ctmarzette598]

🔥🔥🔥seg.. kemba walker New York legend!

[@thehookgodz]

One of My all time fav college players

[@milesgbtl2336]

Happy Retirement K Walk🔥

[@bigman4799]

Congrats on a great career Kemba

[@TheOutspokenIntrovert23]

Much love to my guy Kemba! Definitely put on for Da BX!

[@mr.chocolaterobot]

A BIG SHOUT OUT TO THE BRONX....AND FORMERLY KNOWN AS "RICE HIGH SCHOOL".....HARLEM....✌🏾🌏🇺🇲😎🤑⭐

[@anthonyirving7456]

Bx Legend ! Salute to you my brother

[@eddieogun]

I really be tryna watch this show man but i can't do it! Melo gotta get a new CO host.... Mero seems like a nice enough guy but he's just really bad at this 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@djjosha]

I am a long time Sig fan boy, but I shot a Canik TP9 & a Rival S Darkside and I was completely blown away. The Caniks were definitely more enjoyable to shoot & the price can't be beat.

[@Thedonn203]

He did more for Charlotte than LaMelo ever will 💯

[@sbeheed192]

“You slam me like that ima leave the script”😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@sandm1320]

lmfaoo intro was crazy

[@donovanmarcus289]

I can imagine that feeling of MJ pulling him into the office to say he personally drafted you. I know I would be ready to run head first through a steel wall 😂

[@jaym82]

if it’s in delaware he talking bout greenbank prolly im from here I can’t think of nowhere to call outside with lights n real hoppers but that’s dope bro was ballin here

[@Biggniddy32]

Mero got me wanting some Jordan 10’s

[@dezoneal613]

Shout to kemba for coming to Dallas

[@leslyvee8691]

KEMBA🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@YPlat22]

It’s crazy Camron and Kemba both have the same story about Tiny

[@VewsFrmTha6ix]

KEMBA WAAAAAAAAAAAY TOO HUMBLE

[@kSwissh007]

kemba walker is also a cool ass name that name was born to be a hooper frrlz frrlz

[@charles6374]

mero dont know enough hoops to be here

[@holdthephoneboxing]

19p,5a,4r and a 4x AS sounds like a 2nd-3rd ballot HOF to me. Salute fam.

[@chi-townlowend1812]

Kembo was the last player that beat D.Rose in high school and it was on a bad offensive foul call on D.Rose. Simeon came up to New York and played at MSG. Kembo coach said at that time we just played a Pro and that was Rose last year in hs.

[@blacxice]

I’m from the Bronx and I’m watching lol

[@logicalman1172]

Kemba and Melo, we need a Big 3 team !

[@trufax79]

Coach Hicks was awesome. Maker and leader of men

[@shortyblack7324]

Salute Bmore Fam

[@yjmsniper]

Melo is really good interviewer

[@AkaRasheed81]

Denham Brown scored 111 in a H.S game...Craaazy

[@ramiroavila9374]

Best episode ever big Bronx synergy and I’m from Philly and I don’t give a fuck. Let’s go baby.! New York, the big Bronx energy

[@CB86666]

MUST BE FRIDAY LETS GET IT 7PM IN BROOKLYN

[@rellys6039]

It was dope seeing him play in Boston. Damn I wish Charlotte did better by him

[@KingMFBandz]

Mero got them triple OG chains on! Cuddy went bacc to the 90s on em lol

[@filipstankovic5307]

Made the night good! Kemba, he cold. We need Iman Shumpert on this pod! It'll be crazy!!

[@user-nm4wk3us5u]

mero a goofy but he cool🤣

[@kobegang4457]

Kemba you better listen to Melo cause he’s speaking facts 💯

[@Undercard_Boxing]

Heard story about kemba and walking around with his basketball

[@aaronhutchinson885]

Denham! Those from Toronto know!!!

[@niquejonez8178]

Truth spoken on good people in the league. Look at Hared dudley, he just retired a couple yrs ago. And definitely was not top 12 on his last roster neither. No hate, just saying he was a good dude that lasted longer than he really should've. Same for Udonis Haslem. Loved both those guys in their prime by the way! And UD on espn keeping it 💯

[@Cliff11]

10473 Bronx Finest Ny Forever 🗽🔥

[@allmirvela9481]

great episode we need JB on this show !!

[@aryansparks8787]

I wonder who has the stat sheet when Kemba had 88 pts at TOH…that’s something for the doc if he has one

[@theonewhoisbetterthanyou3570]

*FIRST OFF SHOUTOUT NYC ONLY THE BEST IN HERE YOU HEARD?!?* second shoutout Cardiac Kemba on a great career and youngsters look up his college career and his big east stepback. Top 10 college shot all time.

[@tomasgreer1098]

"That's a good question" melo not slick lmao

[@Thereal667]

The camp was called north eastern

[@Rayneman215]

Yoooo Salute and bless king Kemba congratulations and continued success