Image via Twitter
First-round NBA pick in 2020 Tyrell Terry declared his retirement on Instagram.
“This message is a very difficult one to share and an emotional one to write,” Terry wrote. “Today I decided to let go of the game that has formed a large part of my identity.” The 22-year-old guard explained that his decision comes after he “experienced the darkest times of my life.”
“To the point where instead of building me up, it began to destroy me. Where I began to despise and question the value of myself, much more than those surrounding me could ever see or know,” Terry explained. “Intrusive thoughts, waking up nauseous, and finding myself struggling to take normal breaths because of the rock that would sit on my chest that seemed to weigh more than I could carry. This is just a brief description of the anxiety this sport has caused me.”
The 31st overall pick went to Terry, who was chosen by the Dallas Mavericks. After his first year at Stanford, where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while being named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, he announced his intention to enter the NBA Draft. Terry was dismissed by the Mavericks after appearing in 11 games during his rookie campaign; two months later, the Memphis Grizzlies picked him up.
On January 1st 2022, Terry signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies, allowing him to switch between the G League club and the professional squad. By Memphis in July, he was released.