Former NBA veteran Carlos Boozer has officially announced his retirement from pro basketball, after playing his last season in China. He made the announcement on ESPN via Dan Feldman of NBC Sports, letting everyone know that he has already decided to hang his sneakers for good.
“I’m officially retired.”
The 36-year-old spent 13 seasons in the league with four different franchises, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. He was the 35th overall pick in the 2002 draft, after starring for the Duke Blue Devils back in his days in the NCAA. He last played in the NBA in the 2014-15 season, as he suited up in 71 games for the Lakers.
During his prime, he was able to establish himself as one of the better power forwards in the league and was named an All-Star twice. He was also selected as part of the 2004 USA Olympic Men's Basketball Team which won the bronze medal that year.
Boozer had his best run as a pro with the Jazz from 2004 to 2010, where he played alongside Deron Williams, making four straight playoff appearances and even reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2007. He will fondly be remembered for shouting “And-1” on almost every shot he takes, and how he always muscled his way to the basket. He owns career NBA averages of 16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 861 total games.