Why Nuggets are using Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook together

Why Nuggets are using Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook together

This is more discomfort than the Nuggets are used to feeling in their stomachs.

Their three-time MVP isn’t saying much to calm it. After his 41-point outburst went to waste Saturday afternoon, Nikola Jokic was asked by what point in the season he feels the Nuggets need to have themselves figured out. He responded, with the same frankness that he used this week to call them a bad shooting team, “probably yesterday.”

Meanwhile, Jokic’s longtime point guard recommends Pepto Bismol.

“I have a more in-depth picture of us than everybody looking from the outside in, but we won a championship with most of the guys that have been here,” Jamal Murray said after Denver’s 109-104 loss to the Clippers. “We’ve been here together for a while. We have trust in everybody. … I think we’re gradually getting better; it’s just not translating into wins yet.”

This is only the second season of Jokic’s career that Denver has started 0-2. After Saturday’s games, the Nuggets ranked last in the NBA in team offensive rating at 97.4, albeit still with a comically small sample size. And now the comforts of home will be abandoned as they try to correct course on a three-game road trip, starting Monday night in Toronto.

Murray’s health, production and lineup deployment are major aspects of the uncertainty surrounding the 2023 champions. But he came to his team’s defense — particularly regarding its depth and 3-point shooting — after an individual performance that was up to standard. He went for 22 points and five assists on 7-of-14 shooting, including 3 of 6 from outside.

“P-Wat (Peyton Watson) is coming back from injury, and we know he can make, and we know what he’s capable of on both ends,” Murray said. “CB (Christian Braun) is taking the leap.”

Braun’s fit in the starting lineup has been low on the list of problems. He has scored in double figures both games while providing impressive on-ball defense against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and James Harden. In its 48 minutes together, the slightly new-look starting five has a net rating of 14.1. Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting slump aside, it has mostly picked up where it left off with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

The hole left behind in the second unit by Braun’s promotion is another story.

Denver’s bench has started the season 10 for 46 from the field (21.7%). The four rotation players behind Michael Malone’s starting lineup combined for just five rebounds against Los Angeles, accentuating the unit’s lack of size. Defensively, it has been inconsistent. Dario Saric struggled to size up to his countryman Ivica Zubac, a more traditional center, who amassed 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Clippers.

“A lot of it’s coming from chemistry,” Murray said of the slow start. “I remember I was running the break today, and I didn’t know if I should go to the two or the three. … We were talking about some of that stuff in the locker room.”

Murray has played in the second unit both games, though to a lesser degree on Saturday. In 11 minutes during the season-opener, a bench lineup featuring Murray as the lone stagger registered a minus-37.3 net rating, 37.9% rebounding rate and 38.3% true shooting percentage.

Staggering Murray is nothing new in Denver, but the fit has been awkward so far this season with only one ball to share between him and Russell Westbrook (who defended respectably Saturday but missed all eight of his shot attempts).

The Nuggets’ interest in Westbrook this summer was in part associated with his potential to push Murray competitively in practice. Whether they complement each other in games remains to be seen, but their first 21 minutes together have been a minus-28.9 net.

“Jamal’s a guard. He’s been a one. He’s been a two,” Malone said after the opener, reiterating what he has long believed. “In college, he was a two. It’s just that, for his Nuggets tenure, Jamal has been a guy that can be a starting one, and he can play with a point guard in the second unit. I think Russ and Jamal have a lot of potential to be really good together.”


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Lakers Are Redefining An NBA Dynasty With LeBron James And Son Bronny

On his son’s 20th birthday, LeBron James might have given – and received – the best present of them all.

One of the greatest basketball players of all time left the court on Sunday night with as wide a smile as he has ever shown in his 22 years in the NBA. Despite scoring an impressive 19 points in 16 minutes, “King James” wasn’t beaming over his performance as the Lakers came up short against the Phoenix Suns in a preseason game. James was ecstatic over something far more important than the result of a game that won’t count when the regular season starts—he had just played alongside his son Bronny for the first time professionally. They both finished a day at work and walked away wearing the same jersey.

The proud father shared his thoughts with ESPN after the game—and it was clear that this preseason game ranked as one of the most memorable moments of his storied NBA career.

“I’m prepping for the game like it’s a regular game,” the elder James said. “But the moment when we came out of the timeout, and he was picking up full court, and I went up — because my guy was taking the ball out. We stood next to each other and I kind of looked at him, and it was just like, ‘Is this “The Matrix” or something?’ It just didn’t feel real.”

In the four minutes and nine seconds they shared the court, the James men became the first father and son to play together in NBA history. The moment clearly impacted LeBron and revealed the aspirations and values he has in being a father.

“For a father, it means everything,” LeBron James said after the game.

There was a slight catch in his voice as he continued. “For someone who didn’t have that growing up, to be able to have that influence on your kids and have influence on your son. Be able to have moments with your son. And ultimately, to be able to work with your son. I think that’s one of the greatest things that a father can ever hope for or wish for.”

Considering LeBron James had spent much of the last 22 years on the road, traveling across the country during his NBA career and spanning the globe to win medals in four Olympics, finally playing with his son ranks as his personal highlight. Whatever we may think of Bronny James in the NBA—and he has struggled in his first two preseason games—it’s heartening to see his father wants to be present in his son’s life, especially after all the time they spent apart over the past two decades.

According to Lakers Nation, LeBron James offered some advice to his son after their time together on the court.

“I just told him to just keep getting better. Keep getting better,” LeBron James said. “I think he’s young. Obviously, he just turned 20. He’s young and wants to continue to improve, and that’s what’s most important. Every time you get a moment out there, just continue to make winning plays, continue to learn from mistakes, and also learn from the good things. I think if he continues to do that, he’ll continue getting better and better.”

The moment also hit new Lakers Coach JJ Redick, who explained to ESPN why he had put LeBron and Bonny on the court against the Suns.

“Just wanted to get them a chance to play together in preseason … within the flow of the game,” Redick said. “I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of this. I really am. It’s cool as a basketball fan. I think it speaks to LeBron’s longevity, but also his competitive stamina that he’s able to still be doing this in Year 22. It speaks to the work that Bronny has put in to get to this point and really just the fatherly care and love, and certainly the motherly care from Savannah as well…. Bronny’s such a great kid and he’s a pleasure to be around.”

Leadership expert Benjamin Laker—a fitting name considering who LeBron and Bronny James play for—found that working with a family member poses high risks but also offers great rewards. While there is potential for favoritism and strained relationships, Laker noted that bringing a family member on your team also offers more trust and inside knowledge of your industry.

“Hiring a family member can bring both significant benefits and challenges to your team. Enhanced trust, loyalty, and in-depth business knowledge are strong advantages that can drive the company forward. However, the risks of nepotism, favoritism, and potential strain on family relationships must be carefully managed,” Laker noted in Forbes. “By weighing these pros and cons, you can make a more informed decision that supports both your business goals and family harmony. When considering whether to recommend a family member for a job, it’s crucial to evaluate both their fit for the role and the potential impact on team dynamics and family relationships.”

We’ll see how having LeBron and Bronny James playing together pans out for the Lakers, but for now the emotional impact of the moment overshadows the various risks and rewards.

“We’ll kind of get used to it, but it’s pretty cool,” LeBron James said about playing with his son. “It’s pretty cool for the both of us, and especially for our family. It’s definitely a moment that I will never forget.”


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Dikembe Mutombo, GU Basketball Legend and NBA Hall of Famer, Dies at 58 – The Hoya

Dikembe Mutombo (SLL ’91, H ’10), a Georgetown University men’s basketball icon who became a basketball Hall of Famer for his rebounding and blocking prowess with the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks, died Sept. 30 after a two-year battle with brain cancer. He was 58.

Mutombo, a center from the Democratic Republic of Congo, became one of Georgetown’s greatest-ever players, dominating in the paint and defensively before achieving stardom in an 18-year NBA career. Throughout, Mutombo was known for his philanthropy, funding and supporting humanitarian efforts particularly in Central Africa.

“Basketball fans remember him for his defense, rebounding and that trademark finger wag, but to those of us that knew him well, we will miss the father, teammate, mentor and friend,” Georgetown Athletic Director Lee Reed wrote in a press release. “Dikembe left his mark on the Georgetown community in so many ways, but he will be best remembered for his unique gift of leveraging his platform as a Hall of Fame basketball player to maximize his global impact as a humanitarian. Our deepest condolences to the entire Mutombo family, Dikembe is a true Hoya who will not be forgotten.”

“The world lost a special person in Dikembe Mutombo, but he will live on through his humanitarian work and commitment to family. Dikembe truly embodied what it means to be a global ambassador – he is forever a Hoya, and Dikembe’s legacy transcends the sport of basketball,” Georgetown men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley wrote on X.

Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo was born June 25, 1966, in Kinshasa, the Congo’s capital. He won an international science competition his senior year of high school and received a USAID scholarship to Georgetown in 1987, initially planning to study medicine. 

Standing 7-foot-2, he was recruited by former men’s basketball coach John Thompson Jr. and played on a basketball scholarship his final three years at Georgetown. Mutombo did not speak English when he arrived in the United States and learned the language in just a few weeks.

“I went to English class from 9:30 to 2:30, then I had to go to my other classes after I got out from my English class,” Mutombo told The Hoya in 2021. “Then I had to go to basketball practice, then I had to lift weights, then I had to go eat, then I had to go study. I used to get back to my dorm at 8 p.m., after leaving at 8 in the morning.”

Dikembe Mutombo (#55) dunks against Villanova in a 1990 game. Mutombo, one of the Hoyas’ greatest ever players, died Sept. 30. He was 58. (Jim Mangan/The Hoya)

A virtual unknown outside Georgetown’s gates, Mutombo began playing for the men’s basketball team in the 1988-89 season as a sophomore. His performance on the court instantly spoke to his defensive prowess: During his rookie season, Mutombo blocked 12 shots in a single game against St. John’s University — an NCAA single-game record — setting the stage for a formidable frontcourt partnership with Alonzo Mourning (COL ’92) known as “Rejection Row” and helping his team to an Elite Eight finish. 

During his junior season, Mutombo began to play more, averaging a double-double — 10 points and 10 rebounds — in the 24 games he started. Though the Hoyas were knocked out early in the NCAA tournament, Mutombo was named Big East defensive player of the year and second-team all-Big East. 

With Mourning injured, Mutombo became the Hoya offense’s focal point as a senior, leading the team in scoring and repeatedly leading the team in rebounds — tallying 27 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinal matchup against the University of Connecticut. In all, Mutombo recorded 947 points, 354 blocked shots and a whopping 823 rebounds over his three-year college career. 

After graduating from Georgetown with degrees in linguistics and diplomacy, Mutombo was the No. 4 overall pick in the 1991 NBA draft, going to the Denver Nuggets. 

“I like to sit back and listen to how people say how great some of these are now, because in a few years Dikembe’s going to surpass them all,” Thompson said of the 1991 draft picks.

Mutombo wasted no time propelling to stardom, ending his rookie season as an All-Star and runner-up in rookie of the year sweepstakes. Mutombo became known for wagging his right index finger at opponents, teasing them after blocking their shots.

Over his long NBA career, including stretches with the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, Mutombo racked up four defensive player of the year awards to go with over 11,000 points, 12,000 rebounds and 3,000 blocks.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wrote in a press release. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

Throughout his career and after, Mutombo was a tireless advocate for his home country, spearheading multiple charity initiatives to support education and healthcare in the Congo. Mutombo founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997 and helped fund the construction of a general hospital in Kinshasa, established a primary school focused on science and entrepreneurship and championed children’s issues with UNICEF and Special Olympics International, serving on the boards of both organizations. Mutombo founded Mutombo Coffee in 2021, which aims to work mostly with female farmers in the Congo and other African countries to close the gender gap in the coffee industry. 

“The health and the development of a country are closely linked to the health of its people,” Mutombo said in a speech at Georgetown in 2001. “Education is so important to good health.”

The NBA named Mutombo its first global ambassador in 2009. Mutombo worked with the NBA on international outreach efforts including Basketball Without Borders, a program that provides basketball instruction in 33 countries.

Mutombo was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2015 for his average of 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in his career.

Beyond his basketball stardom, Mutombo served on the university’s board of directors, an advisory body which helps to govern Georgetown, from 2017 to 2023, serving on two of its committees, according to a university press release.

“Dikembe Mutombo was the embodiment of the spirit of Georgetown,” Joseph Ferrara, a university vice president and chief of staff to university president John J. DeGioia (CAS ’79, GRD ’95), wrote in the release. “From his prolific college and professional basketball careers to his tireless work in retirement to improve the lives of those in need of better health and opportunity, he lived Georgetown’s values in a way we always will hold with great esteem and pride. His passing is a tremendous loss for the Georgetown community and indeed the United States, Congo, and everywhere else where he uplifted those around him.”

Mutombo is survived by his wife, Rose; his children, Carrie (COL ’19, LAW ’22), Jean Jacques and Ryan Mutombo (CAS ’24), who played three seasons on Georgetown’s men’s basketball team; and four nieces and nephews whom he and his wife adopted.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.


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Dikembe Motombo in a Georgetown basketball uniform playing in a match

Georgetown Mourns the Passing of Alumnus and NBA Superstar Dikembe Mutombo

Note: This story is developing and will be updated with additional reflections on Dikembe Mutombo’s life and legacy. 

The Georgetown community mourns the loss of Dikembe Mutombo (C’91), who passed away on Sept. 30 at the age of 58 from brain cancer. An All-American on the men’s basketball team at Georgetown and NBA Hall of Fame player, Mutombo dedicated his life to philanthropic and humanitarian work to advocate for those in need.

“Dikembe Mutombo was the embodiment of the spirit of Georgetown,” said Joseph Ferrara, Georgetown vice president and chief of staff to President John J. DeGioia. “From his prolific college and professional basketball careers to his tireless work in retirement to improve the lives of those in need of better health and opportunity, he lived Georgetown’s values in a way we always will hold with great esteem and pride. 

As a member of the men’s basketball team at Georgetown, Mutombo was part of the team that captured the 1989 Big East Tournament title.

“His passing is a tremendous loss for the Georgetown community and indeed the United States, Congo, and everywhere else where he uplifted those around him. On behalf of President John J. DeGioia and the Georgetown community, I offer my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s family, friends, teammates and all who knew and loved him.”

Throughout his life, Mutombo stayed involved with Georgetown, including as a member of the university’s Board of Directors. 

“Dikembe’s renowned record of service to the world included service to Georgetown, as a member of our Board of Directors from 2017 to 2023,” said Board Chair Tom Reynolds (B’74). “He brought to that work the expansiveness, humanity, and global perspective for which he was known in all of his endeavors. His impact on Georgetown as a student, athlete, alumnus and institutional leader was incalculable. We are deeply grateful for his service and send Rose and his children our sincere condolences.”

In three seasons on the Hilltop, Mutombo was a two-time All-Big East selection and twice named Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He helped capture one Big East regular season title and the 1989 Big East Tournament title. 

After Georgetown, Mutombo became legendary for his defensive prowess in his 18 seasons in the NBA and won four NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards, culminating with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. 

After retiring from the NBA, Mutombo became a full-time advocate and ambassador with a goal of helping people in need gain access to the health services and educational and economic opportunities necessary to live better lives and for their children to become healthy, productive members of their communities.

Dikembe Mutombo in a suit and tie speaking at a podium
In 2010, Mutombo was named the recipient of the John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award.

In 1997, he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, with a mission to improve the health, education and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2007, sponsored by the foundation and named after Mutombo’s mother, the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital opened in Congo and has since treated nearly 200,000 men, women and children.

Mutombo also served on the board of the National Constitution Center, Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Dikembe Mutombo in a suit and tie in Capital One Arena
Mutombo served on Georgetown’s Board of Directors from 2017 to 2023.

In 2002, Mutombo was the inaugural recipient of Georgetown’s Samuel A. Halsey Jr. award, honoring Black alumni who demonstrate commitment and service to the university and the wider community. In 2010, he received an honorary degree from Georgetown and was the recipient of the 2010 John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award, which was named after Mutombo’s coach at Georgetown and recognizes an individual or group that has demonstrated outstanding service in Georgetown’s Jesuit tradition of being people for others. In 2013 he received the Timothy S. Healy, S.J. Award from the GUAA for his outstanding and exemplary community, public and professional service in support of humanitarian causes and advancements for the benefit of humanity.


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Derrick Rose of the Memphis Grizzlies

Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose retires after 16-year career that was often derailed by injuries

Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose announced his retirement from basketball on Thursday as the 35-year-old guard brought the curtains down on a career spanning 16 years.

Once the lynchpin of the Chicago Bulls franchise after he became the number one pick in the draft, Rose began his NBA career with a Rookie of the Year award in 2009 before he was named the MVP in 2011.

But his career was marred by injuries, with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the 2011-12 playoffs and a torn meniscus that needed surgery two seasons later severely reducing his minutes on the court.

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“Thank you, my first love. You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain. You showed me what love truly meant,” the three-time All-Star wrote in a statement on Instagram.

“You turned the court into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely… You stood by me even when the world seemed against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to pick you up.

“You gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days. You told me it’s okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that you’ll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.”

After eight years with the Bulls, Rose also played for the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Detroit Pistons and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Bulls described him as “the kid from Englewood turned into a Chicago legend” in a post on Instagram thanking him for what he had accomplished with the former champions.

Derrick Rose with the Memphis Grizzlies in February.Justin Ford / Getty Images file

In his final season with the Grizzlies, he was limited to just 24 games, making only seven starts.

“We are grateful for your meaningful contributions to this team and this city, and wish you all the best in this next chapter of life,” the Grizzlies said in a statement.


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Rose, seen here with the New York Knicks in 2022, became the youngest winner of the Most Valuable Player award in NBA history in 2011.

Former league MVP Derrick Rose retires from the NBA



CNN
 — 

Derrick Rose, longtime NBA veteran and former league MVP, announced his decision to retire from professional basketball on Thursday.

Rose, drafted first overall in 2008 out of the University of Memphis, played for 16 NBA seasons – the first seven of those with the Chicago Bulls.

Rose posted his announcement to social media and took out ads in newspapers in the six NBA cities where he played with an impassioned tribute to basketball.

“Thank You, My First Love… You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain. You showed me what love truly meant. You turned the court into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely. You made every early morning and late night we spent together worth every drop of sweat,” Rose posted.

“You reminded me that I could always rely on you, that in every moment of doubt, you would show me what I’m capable of. You introduced me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago could have never imagined.

“You taught me that every loss was a lesson and every win was a reason to be grateful.

“You offered wisdom that was not just about the game, but about life, discipline, hard work, perseverance. You showed me that passion is something to cherish, ensuring that I pour my heart into every dribble, every shot, every play. You stood by me even when the world seemed against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to pick you up.

“You gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days. You told me it’s okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that you’ll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me. Forever yours. Derrick Rose “

Rose played for six franchises during his NBA career and will be most remembered for his time with the Bulls.

The guard won the Rookie of the Year award in his first season in the league and became the face of the franchise.

When healthy, Rose was dominant.

At 22-years old, Rose averaged 25.0 points and 7.7 assists per game during the 2010-11 season which concluded with the guard winning the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, becoming the award’s youngest ever recipient.

The following season, Rose suffered a torn ACL in the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, which marked the start of an injury-ridden rest of his career.

Rose went on to play for the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Rose, a three-time All-Star, finished his career averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds.




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ESPN lays off NBA senior writer Zach Lowe: Sources

ESPN has parted ways with NBA senior writer Zach Lowe as part of the network’s continuing layoffs, sources briefed on the decision told The Athletic on Thursday.

Lowe follows the earlier dismissals of NFL personalities, Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder. The moves are part of the network’s fiscal year planning that ends at the conclusion of September. ESPN and Lowe both declined to comment.

Lowe’s salary, which was in excess of seven figures annually, was the biggest factor in ESPN’s decision, according to sources briefed on the terms of his contract. He is expected to be the final layoff of this round.

Lowe had been with ESPN for 12 years, first starting at the longform site, Grantland. Besides writing and appearing on TV, he also hosted the “Lowe Post” podcast series.

ESPN’s NBA coverage is in a state of transition with the surprise retirement of insider Adrian Wojnarowski and with the network still figuring out if it will add to its lead broadcast team of Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

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(Photo: Mike Windle / Getty Images for ESPN)


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Gordon Hayward ends NBA career after 14 seasons

Gordon Hayward has retired from the NBA after 14 seasons, he announced on social media Thursday.

“Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball,” Hayward wrote. “It’s been an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.”

A versatile forward, Hayward — the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz — was an All-Star in 2017 with Utah before signing with the Boston Celtics as a free agent that summer. Hayward suffered a gruesome leg injury in his first game for Boston, an injury that cost him that season and saw him need another one to round back into form.

Last season, Hayward averaged 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 51 games with the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder. He was traded to Oklahoma City midseason as part of a deal the Thunder hoped would help them in the playoffs. Hayward, however, didn’t score a point in seven playoff games.

Hayward, 34, finishes his NBA career having averaged 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Hayward entered the NBA after a prolific college career at Butler in which he led the Bulldogs to the 2010 championship game against Duke. He attempted a half-court, buzzer-beating shot that would have given Butler the title but instead rimmed out.

Saying “there are too many people” to thank, Hayward thanked his parents and family, his agent Mark Bartelstein, coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors and friends for supporting him “through countless years and cities, helping me exceed my own expectations.”

“To all my fans: thank you for supporting me through the ups and downs,” he wrote. “I’ll always cherish the letters of encouragement and the moments we’ve shared around the world. You inspired me to always dream big and improve everyday — and for the young players up next, I challenge you to do the same!

“As I move to spend more time with my family as a father and husband, I look forward to new adventures and challenges, taking with me the lessons I’ve learned on the court that will guide me across my next chapters, both in business and in life.

“I can’t wait for what’s next!”

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and The Associated Press contributed to this report.




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