Former NBA center Jared Sullinger announced his retirement at the age of 34.

Former NBA star Jared Sullinger has officially announced his retirement, ending his 15-year professional career.

The 34-year-old Sullinger is a 2.06-meter tall, 118-kilogram center who entered the NBA in 2012 as the 21st overall pick in the first round. He played for the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors, appearing in a total of 269 regular season games, averaging 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 24.3 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 43.7% and a three-point percentage of 27.2%.

Sullinger also played 10 times in the playoffs, averaging 8.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 16.1 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 42.5% and a three-point percentage of 38.5%.

In September 2017, Sullinger officially retired from the NBA after only five years. He subsequently played for several teams overseas, including the Shenzhen Leopards, Beijing Royal Fighters, and Guangdong Southern Tigers in the CBA, Anyang KGC Ginseng Commune in the KBL, and Santurse Crabcatters in the BSN.

In his retirement statement, Sullinger wrote: "After dedicating my life to basketball, it is time to officially bid farewell to my professional career. Looking back on my journey, it is truly an emotional one. From a kid with dreams in Columbus, Ohio, to wearing the Ohio State Buckeye jersey; from hearing my name called on draft night, stepping onto the NBA court representing the Boston Celtics, to having the privilege of playing for teams all over the world—every city, province, country, community, every teammate, coach, fan, and organization has become a part of my life story."

"Now, a new chapter is about to begin. I am incredibly grateful and proud to announce that I will be joining the coaching staff of the Ohio State Buckeyes – a dream I made when I realized I would be coaching. I can finally return home, dedicate myself to nurturing the next generation, wear the red and gray jersey again, and give back to the land that has given me so much. I will take off the jersey, but I will never truly leave the court. I'm just changing positions."

Image source: Internet