Two years ago, the Dallas Mavericks selected Tyrell Terry with the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. On Thursday, he shocked the NBA world by announcing that he will retire from the league and sport, citing anxiety and “the darkest times” of his life.
Terry made the announcement in a social media post, in which he explained his mindset and the mental issues that have come up for him.
“While I have achieved amazing accomplishments, created unforgettable memories, and made lifelong friends,” the 22-year-old wrote. “I’ve also experienced the darkest times of my life. To the point where instead of building me up, it began to destroy me. Where I began to despise and question the value of myself, much more than those surrounding me could ever see or know. Intrusive thoughts, waking up nauseous and finding myself struggling to take normal breaths because of the rock that would sit on my chest that seemed to weigh more than I could carry.
“This is just a brief description of the anxiety this sport has caused me, and while I’m grateful for every door it has opened for me, I can’t continue this fight any longer for something I have fallen out of love with.”
Terry spent one season at Stanford before going pro. In his single college basketball season, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while being named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. He played in just 11 games for Dallas during his rookie season before taking a personal leave. He returned to the franchise in 2021 but took another leave and was eventually waived by the team in October 2021. That December he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies and appeared in two games for them but was reassigned to the G League’s Memphis Hustle before being waived.
The NBA world reacted strongly to the news that Terry was going to end his basketball career over the issues that he was going through.
“Anxiety doesn’t discriminate. It targets those with immense talent and wealth as well,” said podcaster Tommy Beers. “Kudos to Tyrell Terry for making a difficult decision and prioritizing his mental health above all.”
Anxiety doesn’t discriminate. It targets those with immense talent and wealth as well…
Kudos to Tyrell Terry for making a difficult decision and prioritizing his mental health above all. https://t.co/JZHldcUNGd
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) December 15, 2022
I respect Tyrell Terry’s vulnerability and maturity. I can’t imagine being happy doing something your entire life and then all of a sudden it brings so much darkness that you’re mentally sick,” said Arizona Daily Star’s Justin Spears. “Always take care of your mentals.”
I respect Tyrell Terry’s vulnerability and maturity. I can’t imagine being happy doing something your entire life and then all of a sudden it brings so much darkness that you’re mentally sick.
Always take care of your mentals. https://t.co/5T8TeM2go5
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) December 15, 2022
“This was beautifully written and I hope Tyrell can find peace in a different passion,” said WCPO anchor Jasmine Styles.
This was beautifully written and I hope Tyrell can find peace in a different passion. https://t.co/Atbn18Y18k
— Jasmine Styles (@_newsbae) December 15, 2022
