The NBA lost another former player to retirement on Sunday, but the thing is, he hasn't played in the league for quite sometime. His name is Stephon Marbury, and he has played in China for the last several years.
Since his arrival in China, Marbury has become a star and an ambassador for the game of basketball in that country and around the world. But at his age and the milage he has put on in recent years, he decided to leave the game and announced it during a press conference, per Eurohoops.
“It’s been a blessing to see how basketball has continued to grow and develop in this country in the past nine years. I hope my spirit and the way how I played the game can affect the younger generation,” said Marbury. “In the future, I’ll give my best and my love for the game to the younger generation here in China. That’s my obligation.”
Marbury started in the Chinese Basketball Association in 2010, and played for several teams over this eight-year career there. His last NBA team was the Boston Celtics during the 2008-09 season. He chose not to sign a contract and later went to China to play.
Many thought that Marbury was washed up by the time his NBA career ended. But he clearly had more to offer to the game of basketball in general, and found a new energy when playing in China.
It's always sad when a player as iconic as Marbury retires from the game. But he has given a lot to the game and in a way it's great to see a player at peace with his career.
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