Darren Collison Retires to Pursue Faith

Veteran NBA guard Darren Collison has retired from the NBA, he announced on Friday. 

Per weekend reports, Darren Collison has decided to retire from basketball in order to focus on his Jehova’s Witnesses faith. 

Darren Collison (31), has played 10 NBA seasons. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 assists in 708 games over that time. He is one of only 26 NBA players in history to average at least 10 points and 3.5 assists per game in each of his first 10 seasons.

Collision has made $43 million so far in his career. Additionally, could have secured a $10-12 million free agent annual salary this summer. 

Want $250 to bet on NBA futures?

However, after consulting with his agent Bill Duffy, he decided to retire.

“While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith,” Collison told ESPN.

“I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched. With that being said, I have decided to retire from the NBA.”

Collison played for the New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Clippers, Sacramento Kings and the Indiana Pacers. In his retirement letter, he made a point to mention all those who have impacted him in his career. 

Read: Heat Acquire Jimmy Butler in 4 Team Trade

“I’m also appreciative of that great friendships that I have earned from my teammates, coaches, and front office personnel that I will treasure for a lifetime,” Collison wrote. 

“Players such as Victor Oladipo, Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James that had a major impact on me competing at the highest level. I either have a close relationship with those that I have mentioned or they inspired me to work harder.”