Image Source: AP
[Saba Sports News] Less than two years after winning an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, veteran player Nemanja Bjelica is bidding farewell to basketball. Taking to Instagram over the weekend, the former forward announced his retirement through a series of posts, including a reflective video, stating, “Today I’m officially retiring from basketball. Thank you all.”
Bjelica, 35, enjoyed a successful career in Europe before transitioning to the NBA. Beginning in 2007 in the EuroLeague, he garnered accolades such as EuroLeague MVP, All-EuroLeague First Team selection, and Turkish League champion. Upon joining the NBA in 2015 with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he also played for the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors.
Throughout his NBA tenure, Bjelica maintained solid averages of 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with impressive shooting splits of 47/38/76. Notably, he was part of the Warriors’ championship-winning team in 2022.
Bjelica’s retirement had been anticipated for several months due to recurring leg injuries, particularly after he returned to play for Fenerbahçe in Turkey during the 2022-23 season. His decision marks the second retirement announcement from the Warriors’ championship roster in recent weeks.