Shawn Bradley set to retire - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

dirno2000 · 06-23-2005, 12:08 AM

Dallas Mavericks center Shawn Bradley has informed the team of his intention to retire and is negotiating a buyout of his contract.

Bradley and the Mavericks, according to team sources, are close to finalizing a buyout arrangement. The 33-year-old has three seasons left on his contract at $14.5 million.

It's believed that Bradley, who struggled with knee and hip injuries this season, is leaving the game after 12 years for health and family reasons. He and wife Annette recently had their sixth child.

With Bradley possibly in need of additional surgery, Dallas is expected to forward his case to an independent doctor for review. If Bradley's injuries are determined to be career-ending, the balance of his contract would drop off the Dallas payroll after one season. If the injuries are not deemed career-ending, his contract remains on the Mavericks' cap.

Bradley was the No. 2 pick of the 1993 NBA draft by Philadelphia -- between Chris Webber and Penny Hardaway -- after playing just one season at BYU and spending two years completing a Mormon mission in Australia.

Dallas was the third team that tried and failed to establish the slender Bradley as a franchise player. After two-plus seasons of unmet expectations with the 76ers and two partial seasons with New Jersey, Bradley joined the Mavericks in one of former coach-general manager Don Nelson's first major moves and spent the past 8½ seasons in Dallas.

Bradley's role, though, has gradually diminshed with the Mavs. After preseason knee surgery, Bradley averaged career lows in points per game (2.7) and blocks per game (0.8) in 2004-05 and appeared in just seven of Dallas' 13 playoff games under new coach Avery Johnson, for a total of 27 minutes.

Bradley will retire with career averages of 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, having led the league in blocked shots twice.

Thespiralgoeson · 06-23-2005, 12:16 AM

That's big news. Maybe Madape will admit that we need a backup center now.

Drbio · 06-23-2005, 12:28 AM

Holy crap. I just saw this on ESPN. I can't believe it.

steponhens · 06-23-2005, 12:38 AM

Finally all the talk of Bradley leading us to a title will stop. However, it does give the mav's more incentive to get something done this offseason. PPod and DJ don't give me much hope for this year so they better get something done.

PepperTheMavsFan41 · 06-23-2005, 01:00 AM

Pretty much done after this. You could see it in his eyes the rest of the playoffs.

mavs413 · 06-23-2005, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Drbio
Holy crap. I just saw this on ESPN. I can't believe it.

That was pretty shitty by ESPN the way they announced that Shawn was retiring. As they were talking about him leaving the game after 12 seasons for Family/Health reasons they show him getting dunked on like 8 times. Not one highlight of him at all, just the opposing player against him. Very low class move by ESPN.

grndmstr_c · 06-23-2005, 01:01 AM

I am filled with a profound melancholy. All the best to Shawn and his family as he enters this next phase in his life. I will miss seeing him putting on those shot-blocking master classes in the lane. I will miss seeing that set shot 15 footer find the bottom of the net time and time again as announcers and opponents alike look on dumfounded. I will miss seeing the greatness that is the Mantis in Maverick blue.

StrikerV · 06-23-2005, 01:12 AM

I am filled with sorrow yet at the same time im happy.

bradleywillcrushyou44 · 06-23-2005, 01:55 AM

i'm filled with just sorrow...

Pirate · 06-23-2005, 02:32 AM

So long to a good guy.

bgantz · 06-23-2005, 03:06 AM

(fist pumps)

Lebanese_Fan · 06-23-2005, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: dirno2000

It's believed that Bradley, who struggled with knee and hip injuries this season, is leaving the game after 12 years for health and family reasons. He and wife Annette recently had their sixth child.

I am really proud of Shawn. 6 kids at 33, way to go BABY. By the way how tall are his wife and kids? Just curious.

seelenjaeger · 06-23-2005, 05:33 AM

He and his wife look quite goofy standing next to each other.

Another beloved guy of my Mavs to leave [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

Soon there will be not much left to like.

The Miles · 06-23-2005, 05:45 AM

I am just glad he is hanging them up finally.

Nash13 · 06-23-2005, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: StrikerV
I am filled with sorrow yet at the same time im happy.

Same here.

Lebanese_Fan · 06-23-2005, 07:28 AM

Did you know that every player in the NBA is overweight except one. Guess who???

Yes, it is Shawn Bradley.

Weird huh, but it is true, he is the only player in the league that his weight is ideal relative to his height.

Even earl boykins is overweight, earl can bench press 300 pounds. Holy Cow.

dude1394 · 06-23-2005, 07:37 AM

My best to shawn. I loved him and just shook my head sometimes at him. At least I won't have the hear the drunk fan behind me griping that he isn't blocking every shot and getting every rebound.

Ah who am I kidding that drunk fan will still be there yelling at finley now probably. Gotta find the next scapegoat to vent on.

madape · 06-23-2005, 07:49 AM

This ridiculous move further supports my assertions that this team doesn't know what the hell it's doing.

Fuck Mark Cuban.

Fuck the Mavericks.

I hope the Suns sign him.

jthig32 · 06-23-2005, 07:59 AM

Dude he's retiring. What does this have to do with the Mavs? Why is this Cuban's fault?

rakesh.s · 06-23-2005, 08:14 AM

He's only 33, and can still average 2 blocks in 20 minutes..A team like New Jersey, devoid of big men, should really try and convince him to come back and play.

Don Nelson is the worst thing that can happen to a big man.

Nash13 · 06-23-2005, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Lebanese_Fan
Did you know that every player in the NBA is overweight except one. Guess who???

Yes, it is Shawn Bradley.

Weird huh, but it is true, he is the only player in the league that his weight is ideal relative to his height.

Even earl boykins is overweight, earl can bench press 300 pounds. Holy Cow.

I have a very hard time believing Devin Harris, Rip Hamilton and Shaun Livingston are overweight.

Lebanese_Fan · 06-23-2005, 08:24 AM

They have some muscle man. But u are right, especially Shaun Livingston.

By the way, devin can bench press 185 punds five times. Pretty surprising and good.

aexchange · 06-23-2005, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: madape
This ridiculous move further supports my assertions that this team doesn't know what the hell it's doing.

Fuck Mark Cuban.

Fuck the Mavericks.

I hope the Suns sign him.

how the hell is shawn bradley retiring due to injuries any fault of mark cuban?

Quote:

Dallas Mavericks center Shawn Bradley has informed the team of his intention to retire and is negotiating a buyout of his contract.

Bradley and the Mavericks, according to team sources, are close to finalizing a buyout arrangement. The 33-year-old has three seasons left on his contract at $14.5 million.

It's believed that Bradley, who struggled with knee and hip injuries this season, is leaving the game after 12 years for health and family reasons. He and wife Annette recently had their sixth child.

Misfit Mav · 06-23-2005, 08:33 AM

I hope he has a happy retirement. It was somewhat marred by high expectations, but he had a long-lived and solid career. What he did for the Mavs is much appreciated.

jacktruth · 06-23-2005, 08:37 AM

Well, at least he's not retiring because he sucks.

Seriously. He had some good years and some good blocks. If his contract sticks to the mavs, retiring is kindov a slap in the face.

Rhylan · 06-23-2005, 08:56 AM

Not really, jacktruth.. it states he's negotiating a buyout. This is a guy that is actually NOT overpaid by NBA standards for backup centers, despite his fluctuating effectiveness. I'm sure he will negotiate a fair buyout, and then all that's left is the cap number, which really doesn't hurt the Mavs as they're already significantly over the cap as it is.

Kinda glad to see him go from a bball standpoint, kinda sad to see him go from a personal standpoint.

jacktruth · 06-23-2005, 08:59 AM

I agree. Rhylan. It was fun to watch him play good. Painfull otherwise.

As a consolation, there a guy that I work with that looks EXACTLY like him, except he's like 5-8. You're welcome to come by and meet him.

MavsFanFinley · 06-23-2005, 09:02 AM

Mavs' Bradley to retire, source says

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

The Mavericks are working on a long-term buyout of center Shawn Bradley's contract that would facilitate the retirement of the 12-year veteran.

A Mavericks source said Wednesday that the buyout would pay Bradley all of the money he is owed under terms of his contract, but would be spread out over numerous years. His deal calls for him to earn $14.5 million over the next three seasons, including $4.5 million in 2005-06.

According to the source, the 7-6 Bradley has become frustrated with injuries, which included knee and hip problems the past season, and is eager to spend more time with his family, which includes a newborn, as well as five other children for him and wife Annette.

Bradley had a love-hate relationship with coach Don Nelson for most of his eight-plus seasons with the Mavericks. When Avery Johnson took over as coach in March, Bradley clearly became the Mavericks' 12th man.

With young centers Pavel Podkolzin and D.J. Mbenga on the roster, the 33-year-old Bradley was unlikely to get much playing time next season or beyond. Bradley was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1993 draft but never fulfilled expectations.

He averaged 8.1 points and 6.3 rebounds for his career, but those numbers tailed off to just 2.7 points this season.

Simon2 · 06-23-2005, 09:22 AM

I bet he comes back in a year. This is a strange move. I think the Mavs told him he isn't in their long term plans and he asked if they would give him a buyout. They agreed so he's retiring. Bradley will be back after a season when he's 35. Guaranteed

jthig32 · 06-23-2005, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Simon2
I bet he comes back in a year. This is a strange move. I think the Mavs told him he isn't in their long term plans and he asked if they would give him a buyout. They agreed so he's retiring. Bradley will be back after a season when he's 35. Guaranteed

Hasn't Bradley sais all along that Basketball has never been his passion? That it's just his job?

If he's truly knicked up with injuries, what makes you think he loves the sport enough to sit out an entire year and then put in the effort to get back in shape after that?

kg_veteran · 06-23-2005, 09:29 AM

I'll miss you, big fella. You were greatness in the paint, no matter what the haters said.

birdsanctuary · 06-23-2005, 09:30 AM

For the last two years I seriously question whether or not Sean's heart was truly on the game. He was so inconsistent. Greater efforts would have made his name one to remember, now.... I guess it's over.

Mantis... you will be missed.

Simon2 · 06-23-2005, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: jthig32

Quote:

Originally posted by: Simon2
I bet he comes back in a year. This is a strange move. I think the Mavs told him he isn't in their long term plans and he asked if they would give him a buyout. They agreed so he's retiring. Bradley will be back after a season when he's 35. Guaranteed

Hasn't Bradley sais all along that Basketball has never been his passion? That it's just his job?

If he's truly knicked up with injuries, what makes you think he loves the sport enough to sit out an entire year and then put in the effort to get back in shape after that?

What makes you think his injuries are severe enough to make him retire? Remember, two years ago, he came back to play when he and Dirk had knee injuries in the Spurs series.

uberfan · 06-23-2005, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: dirno2000

With Bradley possibly in need of additional surgery, Dallas is expected to forward his case to an independent doctor for review. If Bradley's injuries are determined to be career-ending, the balance of his contract would drop off the Dallas payroll after one season. If the injuries are not deemed career-ending, his contract remains on the Mavericks' cap.

With hip and even more knee problems, even after this past preseason knee surgery, no wonder he was often ineffective this past season. Would account for his restricted mobility( by his normal standards) this past season.

If he is facing more surgery then we could expect even less this coming season. It would also limit any real trade possibilties if he could not pass a physical.

I like Shawn and wish him and his family well. Retirement seems like the best for all parties involved.

dalmations202 · 06-23-2005, 09:55 AM

Bradley has never seemed to be about the money, or about the power, or about attitude (which has hurt him in his profession). Many thanks to Shawn Bradley for the fun he has brought to Dallas, and I wish him well in his retirement.

IMO, he doesn't come back though. Enough is enough, and his retirement will be permanent.

LRB · 06-23-2005, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Lebanese_Fan

Quote:

Originally posted by: dirno2000

It's believed that Bradley, who struggled with knee and hip injuries this season, is leaving the game after 12 years for health and family reasons. He and wife Annette recently had their sixth child.

I am really proud of Shawn. 6 kids at 33, way to go BABY. By the way how tall are his wife and kids? Just curious.

Annette is around 5'2". His kids are in the top percentile for their ages.

BTW don't expect a Shawn comeback unless it's with the Mavs. Annette really likes the Dallas area, and I don't see Shawn uprooting his kids from friends and school. The only possible exception might be Utah where he could be closer to family.

bcrav4 · 06-23-2005, 10:47 AM

And now we enter the Pavel/DJ era.

sike · 06-23-2005, 10:49 AM

by all accounts, a great guy.

harsh question: "Shawn Bradley, bust or no?"

go be an even better Daddy than you were before big guy! (this is where is heart really is...and good for him!)

Bookit · 06-23-2005, 10:51 AM

I wonder if the Mavs approached him about a trade possibility and this pushed Bradley's hand?

jthig32 · 06-23-2005, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Simon2

Quote:

Originally posted by: jthig32

Quote:

Originally posted by: Simon2
I bet he comes back in a year. This is a strange move. I think the Mavs told him he isn't in their long term plans and he asked if they would give him a buyout. They agreed so he's retiring. Bradley will be back after a season when he's 35. Guaranteed

Hasn't Bradley sais all along that Basketball has never been his passion? That it's just his job?

If he's truly knicked up with injuries, what makes you think he loves the sport enough to sit out an entire year and then put in the effort to get back in shape after that?

What makes you think his injuries are severe enough to make him retire? Remember, two years ago, he came back to play when he and Dirk had knee injuries in the Spurs series.

Well, I'd say this line right here would seem to suggest that his injuries are severe enough to make him retire.

Quote:

According to the source, the 7-6 Bradley has become frustrated with injuries, which included knee and hip problems the past season, and is eager to spend more time with his family, which includes a newborn, as well as five other children for him and wife Annette.