J.J. Redick announced his retirement while hosting a new episode of his podcast, The Old Man & The Three,” that aired Tuesday.
Redick, a 15-year veteran, was a free agent this offseason after splitting the 2020-21 season with the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks. He said last month on his podcast he was taking his time on where to sign next season and might even join one mid-season.
In his retirement announcement, Redick said he wanted last season to be his last year and it was difficult to be away from his family, deal with injury and COVID-19 protocols and struggle on the court. He took time to reflect.
“I have some clarity now,” he said. “And I know it’s time. It’s time for me to be a dad. It’s time for me to reflect, to pause, and it’s time for me to get ready for the next phase of my life.”
He also shared a set of photos on Instagram featuring himself as a young basketball player and his two sons with him on the court.
He wrote:
“First team. Last team. So GRATEFUL for everything in between. Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. Thank you to EVERYONE who was a part of my journey and career. I started playing basketball 30 years ago in my backyard on an uneven path of dirt, gravel, and grass. It was on that court that my dreams began to form. Reality has far surpassed my dreams!! So thankful for 15 years in the NBA and all the amazing relationships and memories along the way.”
Redick, 37, became a superstar shooter at Duke in the early 2000s and was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2006 draft. He’s played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
This post will be updated.