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Former Celtics First-Round Pick Retires at 34
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- Former Celtics First-Round Pick Retires at 34
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Jared Sullinger is calling it a career.
The former Boston Celtics forward announced on social media that he is retiring from basketball at age 34. He added that he's returning to Ohio State as the Director of Player Development.
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"After a lifetime of giving everything I have to this game, it's time for me to officially step away from playing basketball," Sullinger wrote . "What a journey it has been.
"From a kid with a dream in Columbus, Ohio, to wearing an Ohio State jersey, hearing my name called on NBA Draft night, representing the Boston Celtics , and having the honor of putting on jerseys for teams across the world — every city, province, country, community, teammate, coach, fan, and organization became a part of my story."
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The Celtics selected Sullinger with the 21st overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He spent four seasons with the franchise, averaging 11.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 258 games (171 starts).
Sullinger signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2016 and was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2017. His NBA career ended that year, but he continued playing professionally overseas, most recently suiting up for the CBA's Guangdong Southern Tigers.
Sullinger was named the CBA International MVP for the 2023-24 season. He was also the league's rebounding leader in both 2018 and 2023.
Sullinger now returns to Ohio State, where he played two seasons and became a two-time first-team All-American before entering the NBA.
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"I'm hanging up the jersey, but I'm not walking away from the game. I'm just changing seats. Forever a Buckeye," wrote Sullinger.
