NEWSLETTER
In case you missed it, the 31-year-old Darren Collison retired from the NBA last night.
Yeah, I know, we were surprised too.
Darren Collison to @TheUndefeated: ‘I have decided to retire from the NBA’
The veteran point guard explains why he’s stepping away from the game https://t.co/EYDLaDpadd #nba— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 29, 2019
ESPN’s Marc J. Spears broke the news but also shared an article from Collison himself that explained his decision making. Specifically, Collison pointed to his faith and opportunity to help others as the main reasons for his early retirement.
While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched.
Collison has become known as a reliable point guard option over the years, having impressive seasons most recently with the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers. The move came as a surprise to many, especially because he was slated to sign a contract that would bring in anywhere between $10-12 million a year moving forward.
Darren Collison was on target to secure a $10M-$12M annual salary in free agency. He retires at 31. https://t.co/456Y67RUva
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2019
Collison was firmly planted in the conversation for a Bulls free agent target. With plenty of experience throughout the league, he not only added depth to the point guard position but brought a productive talent that has averaged 12.5 points per game with 5.0 assists per game in his career.
Nevertheless, the Bulls will now have to cross his name off the list, as will many other NBA teams. The move shouldn’t strongly impact Chicago, as the team recently has been tied stronger to the Pacers back-up point guard Cory Joseph anyway. But one name off the list always means the market becomes a bit more competitive, so the Bulls might have to act a little faster than initially expected.
Anyway, Happy retirement Collison! I wonder if he’ll head to Florida?
