NBA Rumors: Raja Bell announces he’s officially retired, won’t try a comeback
By Josh Hill
The NBA isn’t a league where many guys can stick around for a long time and be productive over that time. Raja Bell was a guy who managed to keep his productivity up for most of his career, but that’s a career that came to an official end on Wednesday.
Bell spoke exclusively with Talk Hoopz and announced his official retirement, stating he has a family he wants to be with now.
"“Earlier this year I shut it down. I’m 37, I have three boys, I do miss it, but physically it wasn’t realistic for me to keep training and keep putting my body through what I’ve been putting it through for the last 20 years.”"
In addition to saying he’s officially retired, Bell also noted that you shouldn’t expect a postseason comeback from him, even if a contender in need of a guard could give him a shot at a title.
"“To be ready to help somebody in the playoffs, you have to be trained and have to be in shape,” Bell said. “Not training, not having been in the gym for the last month, I wouldn’t entertain anything like that. I’d be flattered, but I’d have to say no because I don’t think I’d be able to live up to my end of the bargain at this point.”"
Bell debuted with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2000-01 but had his best years with the Phoenix Suns. He also bounced around the league with teams like Mavericks, Bobcats, Warriors and most recently the Jazz.