Yi Jianlian retires at 38 / News - Basketnews.com

Chinese basketball legend Yi Jianlian announces retirement after a glorious 21-year career.

Credit: AFP–Scanpix Credit AFP–Scanpix

Chinese basketball icon Yi Jianlian has declared the close of his illustrious 21-year professional career.

Yi Jianlian

Position:PF, CAge:35Height:213 cmWeight:113 kgBirth place:ChinaProfileNewsStatistics

"How time flies. In the blink of an eye, basketball has accompanied me for 21 years. After prudent consideration, I have decided to end my professional basketball career today," the 38-year-old posted on China's social platform Weibo.

Yi started playing professional basketball in 2002.

Selected as the 6th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, Yi showcased his skills across five NBA seasons, representing the Bucks, then-named New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Dallas Mavericks.

His career record tallied 272 NBA games with an average of 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) bore witness to Yi's remarkable individual and collective achievements. He powered the Guangdong Southern Tigers to six championship victories, earning himself the title of Finals MVP for their triumphant three title conquests.

"Along the way, I sincerely thank my most beloved family, my most beloved leader Bole, every coach, teammate, opponent, sponsor, partner, and brokerage team," Yi wrote. "I would like to especially thank the Chinese men's basketball team, which is a sacred name to me. Whenever I wear the jersey of the national team and play for my country, I can feel the pride that a strong motherland brings to me.

"I am also very grateful to the Guangdong Men's Basketball Team for their years of training and support, which allowed me to represent my hometown to win so many honors and provided me with the opportunity to go to a bigger stage."

Yi's legacy extended internationally, marking his prominent role in China's global basketball endeavors. He contributed to Team Dragon's campaigns in four Olympic events, propelling China to clinch three gold medals in the FIBA Asia Cup.

"Farewell is not an end, but a new beginning. I will miss it very much, and I will continue to move forward to welcome a new chapter," he added.

"Goodbye, my favorite basketball: Thank you for giving me this wonderful journey of 21 years, with blood, joy, regret, tears, reliable companions, and respectable opponents. This is an unforgettable and precious experience."

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