Two years ago, the Dallas Mavericks drafted Tyrell Terry 31st overall. He announced his retirement from basketball on Thursday, blaming worry and “the worst days” of his life.
While I have accomplished incredible feats, enjoyed great memories, and established lifetime friends, the 22-year-old stated on Instagram. “I have also been through the darkest periods of my life. To the point where, rather than strengthening me, it began to ruin me. Where I began to loathe myself and question my worth far more than anyone around me could possibly see or understand. I had intrusive thoughts, awoke sick, and found it difficult to take normal breaths due to the heavy boulder that seemed to lay on my chest.
On August 9, 2021, Tyrell Terry looks to pass the ball during the Mavericks’ Summer League game against the 76ers.
“This is just a small summary of the anguish this sport has brought me, and while I am happy for all the doors it has opened, I can no longer continue to battle for something I no longer love.”
Terry was picked by Dallas after only one year at Stanford, where he averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
Before declaring for the 2020 NBA draft, the 6-foot-2 guard shot 40.8% from 3-point range, was chosen to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, and was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention.
Terry participated in 11 games with the Mavericks during his rookie season, averaging 5.1 minutes and 1 point per game, before taking a personal leave of absence for several months. Early in the 2021 preseason, he returned to the team before having another leave.
Terry was waived by the Mavericks in October 2021, and he played two games with the Grizzlies before being sent to the team’s G League affiliate.
This season, Terry was not signed by an NBA team.
»Tyrell Terry, a former Mavericks draft pick, retires at age 22 due to his ‘darkest periods’«