Nick Collison Says 'It's Time to Go' as He Retires After 15 Years in NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder's Nick Collison announced his retirement to ESPN on Thursday after 15 years in the league.
"Today I’m retiring from the NBA after 15 seasons," Collison wrote on Instagram. "There have been so many people in Iowa Falls, Lawrence, Seattle, and OKC that have helped me along the way. I can’t really find words to say to my family here so I wont try. I will do my best to let all these people know how much I appreciate them. I love my teammates. I will miss the moments with them most. Thank you to the fans that have supported me and our teams all these years. I got to feel the love for a long time. I am grateful. It’s my time to go. I got to be here for a long time. I’m looking forward to what comes next.
In his ESPN essay, Collison talks about his career, the various people he's played with and the important experiences he's had.
He ended by saying he's loved the "friendships and camaraderie," and he "got to stay here a long time, but now it's time to go
Collison played his entire career with the Thunder franchise after the team moved from Seattle in 2008.
The 37-year-old entered the NBA in the 2003 draft that also included LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. He was selected at No. 12 by the SuperSonics.
Collison missed his entire rookie season after dislocating his shoulder and requiring surgery.
He finished with an average 5.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists. He had 69 career double-doubles.
After his retirement, only two SuperSonics remain in the NBA – Kevin Durant and Jeff Green
