Veteran NBA guard Rodney Stuckey is sitting out the 2017/18 NBA campaign, but sounds prepared to attempt a comeback next season, as Jayda Evans of The Seattle Times details.
Stuckey, who suffered hamstring injuries and a strained patella tendon during the 2016/17 season, was waived by the Pacers last March. While a September report suggested he had visits lined up with multiple NBA teams, Stuckey ultimately opted to take some time off from basketball. According to Evans, the absence has allowed the veteran guard to fully recover from his injuries, coach at his old high school, and be present for the birth of his fourth child.
Despite his hiatus, Stuckey – who will turn 32 this April – believes he’s still capable of playing in the NBA and doesn’t sound ready to call it a career quite yet.
“I definitely have a lot of time left in my body,” Stuckey said. “It was just important for me mentally and physically to give my body a rest. I can get back after it next year, and I know I can play another two to three years. Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to do that and then still feel young and be able to run around with my own kids in retirement.”
The 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft, Stuckey has appeared in 651 total regular season games for the Pistons and Pacers, averaging 12.6 PPG and 3.6 APG in 10 NBA seasons. In 39 games with the Pacers in 2016/17, Stuckey established new career lows in PPG (7.2) and FG% (.373), though health issues contributed to his struggles.
Who?
Oh I kid the Rodney Dangerfield fans. He got no respect. the doctor slapped his mother when he was born.