Otto Porter Jr., who was part of the Golden State Warriors’ 2021-22 championship run, is calling it a career. He last played for the Utah Jazz and was actually set to be waived by the team.
Porter himself confirmed the decision in an announcement with the Jazz, sharing that while he still wants to play, his body can no longer keep up.
Ex-Golden State Warriors Champ Otto Porter Jr. Explains Retirement Decision
In a press release by the Jazz, Porter revealed his decision to retire and explained that it is in large part due to his health condition. The 30-year-old forward shared that he just can no longer play the way he wanted to, forcing him to call it a career instead.
“For the past 11 years, I had the chance to live my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. That dream was capped by winning an NBA Championship! Unfortunately, my body is not allowing me to play at the level that I expect of myself, and I have therefore decided to retire,” Porter shared.
Porter has been riddled with injuries over the past two seasons. He left the Warriors following their championship season and joined the Toronto Raptors, but he only played a total of 23 games with the Canadian franchise over the past two seasons due to his health issues.
The former third overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft was dealt to the Jazz during the February trade deadline as the Raptors acquired Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji from the Jazz. However, he did not suit up for the team until his retirement.
Golden State Warriors Fans React To Otto Porter Jr.’s Retirement
Otto Porter Jr.’s retirement certainly came as a shock for many, especially since he’s still relatively young, With that said, after the Golden State Warriors faithful learned of his decision, they quickly took to social media to either congratulate him or share their disbelief.
“Congrats warriors legend,” one Warriors fan wrote on the Jazz’s announcement of Porter’s retirement.
“WE LOVE YOU GOAT ENJOY RETIREMENT,” another supporter said.
A third Dubs faithful said, “Damnit man I wanted him back in GS.”
Others simply wished him good luck for the next chapter of his life, with one saying: “BIG BLESSINGS ON YOUR NEW CHAPTER. GO WITH PEACE.”
“Happy retirement Warriors LEGEND,” a commenter added.
While it’s definitely surprising and painful to see Porter go out like that, fans can only respect his decision. Here’s to better days ahead for Porter.
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