Veteran center Gustavo Ayon has announced his retirement from professional basketball, as relayed by EuroHoops. Ayon will have a farewell game on Sunday in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“It did not take long,” Ayon said about deciding to retire, according to EuroHoops. “Throughout my career, I learned to take care of my body, when I could be effective and when I couldn’t. I need more than 24 hours to recover after a game. I am retiring fully and at a good level as a player.”
Ayon, who went undrafted in 2007, made his NBA debut in 2012 and played in 135 total regular season games, making stops with New Orleans, Orlando, Milwaukee and Atlanta. The 37-year-old held per-game averages of 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds during those outings, playing an average of 16.5 minutes.
In addition to his NBA experience, Ayon spent many years competing in international leagues. He played in Mexico from 2006-09, Spain from 2009-11 and 2014-19, and Russia in 2019/20 before returning to Mexico to finish his career.
“I wanted to play basketball and be successful in teams having an important individual role,” Ayon said. “For me, that is much better than playing for 10 or 15 years in the NBA,”
I’m announcing my retirement as well. This feels like the appropriate thread
Last season played was with the San Diego beer league Marmadukes wearing KLoves # in 2012 . On a team lacking size I had to slide down to the 5 at 6’3 and hit the boards harder- Averaged a 10/10/5 that year in classic early KLove fashion
you can still play. The marmadukes held you back. They suck bro.
uve had a run
Is this that dude on the heat who’s like 45 and had to make a pre announcement like a week ago that he was making a decision today
He’s 46 bro.
hasta la vista, baby.
First ballot HOF
Say who now??
Who?
A guy who played in 135 NBA games. Your NBA stats, please?
He doesn’t speak a lick of English, but we still love him.