In a piece for The Undefeated, 31-year-old Darren Collison, who has played for the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and LA Clippers, announced his retirement from NBA.
Darren Collison was on target to secure a $10M-$12M annual salary in free agency. He retires at 31. https://t.co/456Y67RUva
Collison, who averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 assists in his ten seasons, revealed that he will focus on his faith as he steps away from the NBA.
"Basketball has been my life since I was a child. I could never imagine finding anything that brings me more joy than I get from playing the game," Collison wrote. "While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important which is my family and my faith. I am one of 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."
He continued: "With that being said, I have decided to retire from the NBA." Elsewhere in the piece, Collison shouted out LeBron James, Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Victor Oladipo, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins, and Dwyane Wade for having "a major impact on me competing at the highest level."
Collison closed it all out by thanking fans for their "countless years of support" and for respecting his decision.
ESPN reports that Collison, who was looking at signing an annual contract worth $10 million to $12 million in free agency, made $43 million while playing for the league.
Head to The Undefeated to read Collison's message in full.
