Former Boston Celtics No. 21 overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft Jared Sullinger is retiring from the sport of basketball as a player, according to a social media post circulated by the Boston big man alum. "After a lifetime of giving everything I have to this game, it's time for me to officially step away from playing basketball," wrote Sullinger. The Columbus, Ohio native had been selected by the Celtics late in the first round despite starting his NCAA career at Ohio State a top-five recruit due to back issues that saw his stock drop into a range then- Boston President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge was drafting that summer.
After an operation to address those back concerns, Sullinger's career with the Celtics took off, the Buckeye alum
saw his role with the team solidify as he put up 13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. But his long-distance shot never quite came around at the same time his overall efficiency dipped, and at the end of his rookie deal, he signed with the Toronto Raptors.
That stint also did not work out, and Sullinger finished his playing career abroad in the Chinese Basketball Association. Now, the former Celtics center plans to make the leap to the other side of the clipboard, taking on the position of Director of Player Development with his collegiate alma mater. "I want to thank my family and friends who stood beside me through every high and low," said the former Boston big.
"To the Boston Celtics, thank you for taking a chance on me and allowing a childhood dream to become reality," said Sullinger. "And to every organization I had the honor of representing throughout my career: thank you for trusting me to wear your name across my chest(...)."
"Basketball has given me more than I could ever repay, but while one chapter ends, another one begins. I'm beyond grateful and proud to announce that I'll be joining the Ohio State University staff a dream of mine from the moment I knew coaching would be in my future. I get to come home, pour into the next generation, represent the Scarlet and Gray again, and give back to the place that gave so much to me."
"I'm hanging up the jersey, but I'm not walking away from the game," he continued. "I'm just changing seats. Forever a Buckeye."
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Former Boston Celtics big man Jared Sullinger announces retirement
