Once recognized as one of the most explosive dunkers in the NBA, Jason Richardson officially called it quits on Wednesday after 14 seasons in the league at the age of 34.
Richardson missed all of the 2013-2014 season and much of the 2012-2013 season due to a serious knee injury and played sparingly in 19 games last season for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite the unfortunate turns he took in the latter parts of his career, Richardson ends his playing days with terrific overall statistics: 17.1 points, 1.9 3-pointers made on 37 percent shooting, five rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals.
The shooting guard announced his retirement on both Instagram and twitter, as seen below:
Today is a bitter sweet moment for me. I’m officially announcing my retirement from pro basketball. I… https://t.co/YhjI24k2dR
— Jason Richardson (@jrich23) September 24, 2015
Richardson is a well-respected player by many around the league (maybe not by all), and plenty had well wishes for him once the announcement was made:
RT @jrich23: I’m officially announcing my retirement from pro basketball. https://t.co/EZYtAbokst ( Man! Congrats! Great Career, My Vet!!)
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) September 24, 2015
Wow congrats on a great career bro. Great Leader Great Teammate and even better Friend!! #respecttheshooter ???????????????? https://t.co/R3RpWMVb4G
— Dorell Wright (@DWRIGHTWAY1) September 24, 2015
You defiantly left ur mark in the game for sure bro. U taught me a lot these last 2 years. Will always be remembered https://t.co/d7BDsZttAn
— Tony Wroten (@TWroten_LOE) September 24, 2015
@jrich23 Thank you for taking me under your wing and showing me how to be a pro. I learned so much from you. Best 2 guard I ever played with
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) September 24, 2015
@jrich23 helluva career big dog! Wish you much success & happiness off the court. Michigan legend! Sag Nasty
— Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) September 24, 2015
My ol head @jrich23 is retiring can’t believe it.Just wanna thnk you for bein my mentor when I was a rook You were truly great for the game
— Michael Carter-Willi (@MCW1) September 24, 2015
Shout out to my brother @jrich23 … Had a great time hooping with you !!! Great player and teammate … Even better person and family man!!
— Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) September 24, 2015
Congrats jrich23 on a remarkable career. Honored to have played with you for many years! You’re just… https://t.co/Z07j2kUuXd
— Adonal Foyle (@afoyle3131) September 24, 2015
Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.