Joel Przybilla officially retires from NBA

Center Joel Przybilla has officially retired from the NBA, according to Pioneer Press reporter Charley Walters. The 13-year veteran last played for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2012-13 and couldn’t find a team to play for last season.

Przybilla started and finished his career with the Milwaukee Bucks and played with five different franchises over the course of his career. Not truly spectacular, Przybilla was a solid defender and shot blocker who enjoyed most of his success with the Portland Trail Blazers between 2004 and 2012. He reached his peak between 2004 and 2006, when he averaged more than six points, seven rebounds and two blocks in two seasons.

More from Milwaukee Bucks

• Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
• The new NBA flopping rules explained
• 5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive
• NBA Rumors: 5 best trade destinations for James Harden to win championship
• NBA Free Agency: Bucks keep Khris Middleton around for long-term gains

Last spring, he was optimistic about signing another contract despite losing minutes to Larry Sanders in the 2013-13 season, according to Gary Woelfel of The Journal Times. Przybilla told Woelfel “I’m definitely keeping the door open” and wouldn’t mind re-signing with the Bucks after recovering from various injuries. Milwaukee decided not to bring him back.

Przybilla was a 1998 McDonald’s All American and played two years at the University of Minnesota before being drafted No. 9 overall by the Houston Rockets. He was traded on draft night to the Bucks for a future first-round pick and center Jason Collier. He signed with the Trail Blazers as a free agent in 2004. Przybilla earned more than $44.7 million in his career, according to his basketball-reference.com page.