Former NBA center Meyers Leonard has officially retired from professional basketball at the age of 33. The veteran big man, who last played for the Milwaukee Bucks, cited physical limitations as the reason behind his decision.
Leonard took to Instagram to share the news, explaining that his body made the decision for him. “I knew after the Milwaukee season that I couldn’t play basketball anymore. It was the hardest decision I never had to make—because my body made it for me,” Leonard wrote.
The former Illinois standout spent nearly a decade in the NBA after being selected 11th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Over 456 career games, he averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.
Leonard played his first seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to the Miami Heat in 2019. He was part of the Heat’s 2020 NBA Finals run but played sparingly in the postseason.
Following a suspension and subsequent departure from the Heat in 2021, Leonard spent nearly two years away from the league before signing with the Bucks in 2023. He played 16 games in his final NBA season, averaging 4.8 points and 2.4 rebounds.
In his retirement announcement, Leonard reflected on the milestones in his career and how basketball shaped his life. “Leaving my small hometown to play for the University of Illinois led to meeting the love of my life. Leaving college early for the NBA gave me the opportunity to take care of my entire family,” he shared.
He also expressed gratitude for his time in Miami and the opportunity to compete at the highest level. “Leaving Portland for Miami gave me the chance to compete in the Finals and play the best basketball of my career,” Leonard added.
Now stepping away from the game, Leonard is shifting his focus to family and personal passions. “Leaving the NBA has given me the greatest blessing of all—the chance to be the father I never had, to fall asleep next to my beautiful wife every night, and to spend time with the most important people in my life,” he wrote.
Leonard has also been exploring music, stating that songwriting has helped him reflect on his journey. He concluded his message by thanking everyone who supported him, saying, “This song is a thank you—to basketball, the fans, my teammates, my family, the organizations, and everyone who believed in a young kid from Robinson, Illinois.”
With his playing days behind him, Leonard looks forward to embracing life beyond basketball while cherishing the experiences that defined his career.
