Los Angeles (AFP)
American leader Shaun Livingston, who was one of the Golden State's benchmarks, helping to win the three NBA titles won by the Warriors in 2015, 2017 and 2018, announced Friday his retirement at age 34.
"After fifteen years in the NBA, I'm excited, sad, lucky and grateful at the same time.It's hard to summarize all the emotions involved in fulfilling his dreams," Livingston said on his Instagram site, thanking his family, his family, but also his teammates, coaches and fans.
The one who was as famous for his gentlemanly attitude on the floor as for his effective mid-distance shoot and his game intelligence, was first a basketball miracle.
In 2007, three years after being drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, he suffered a terrible knee injury, which required long months of rehabilitation before he could walk properly again.
"I was not supposed to be there - anyone who overcame obstacles knows the mental and emotional strain it takes to lead such a battle and to inspire others." + The wound + allowed me to find myself and prove myself as well as the whole world, that these circumstances would not define me, "he wrote on his social network.
After 16 months of absence, he finally resumed his career which led him from one season to another in Miami, Oklahoma City, Washington, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Brooklyn, before finally settling in the rotation of Golden State, where he became the replacement of star Stephen Curry.
He took part in the last five NBA Finals, before the Warriors finally decided not to keep it this summer.
"What makes me most proud is that my character, values and faith were put to the test and I persevered," Livingston concluded.
His future could remain close to the California courts since Steve Kerr, coach of the Warriors said this summer "hope to see him involved in our franchise for many years to come".
© 2019 AFP