The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty could be coming to an end as the team is currently fighting to keep it’s spot in the Play-In Tournament race.
As things stand, the Warriors sit in 10th place in the Western Conference with a two-game lead over the Houston Rockets.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr has been forced to lean on some of the team’s younger players, though Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remain the pillars on offense and defense, respectively.
Their title run nearly two years ago seems so far away given how they’ve looked since then, though that’s just a natural part of the NBA lifecycle for contenders.
Their 2022 championship squad featured several veteran role players who knew how to play the game properly.
Nemanja Bjelica had a small role on that roster and it appears that he’s finally calling it a career via NBA Central.
“Nemanja Bjelica is retiring from the game of basketball.”
Nemanja Bjelica is retiring from the game of basketball pic.twitter.com/TFIKVnMuZ0
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 23, 2024
Originally a second-round pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2010 NBA Draft, Bjelica spent several years in Europe before making the jump to the NBA.
Bjelica started his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves before winding up with the Sacramento Kings.
The forward had a short stint with the Miami Heat and then he signed with the Warriors for the 2021-22 season.
A nominal power forward who can space the floor, Bjelica didn’t see much action in the playoffs because of his lackluster defense, but he did everything he was asked to do and played a part in their title.
Bjelica accomplished plenty during his playing days and is rightfully walking away from the game on his own terms.
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