NBA veteran Grant Hill has decided to call it quits, announcing on TNT tonight that he's retiring from the NBA after 19 seasons. The announcement came before the start of game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The 40-year-old Hill has been one of the most respected players in the league for almost two decades with career averages of 16.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.2 SPG in 33.9 minutes per game.
Said Hill during the announcement: "I’m glad to say, I’m done. I’m officially retired. Moving on from playing. I had a great run. I’m announcing it now. I’ve been hinting at it the last few years, you get to a point where you just don’t want to do it any more. But I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve loved it.”
Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Gary Sacks thanked Hill for his time in the league, and congratulated him for his career in a press release confirming the retirement.
“The entire Clippers organization wants to congratulate Grant on an incredible career. For 19 years, Grant has always been the embodiment of class, a true professional and not only one of the best players – but one of the finest individuals I have been around. We were fortunate to have Grant with us last season, and we wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”
The Sporting News' Sean Deveney had more from Hill on his decision to retire (via Twitter links):
"On one hand, I’m 40 and in great physical condition. My body tells me that I can continue playing. On the other hand I'm 40, and in great physical condition–a rare parting gift in this sport."
Eric Pincus from the Los Angeles Times, astutely points out (via Twitter) how Hill's retirement will shed the 2.045MM towards the Clippers' 2013/14 salary cap, and how that will help them avoid the luxury tax if they sign Chris Paul this offseason.