By: Sanjay Verma
The NBA, founded in 1946 as the BAA and later merged to become the NBA in 1949, is the world's top basketball league with 30 teams. While most NBA players start young and retire in their mid-thirties, this webstory highlights the eight youngest players to retire, often due to factors like injuries or performance.
American Chris Bosh, born 1984, retired at 31 due to blood clots after a 14-year NBA career with the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat.
A Chinese Center, retired from the NBA at 30, playing for the Houston Rockets. Born in 1980, he started with the Shanghai Sharks and retired in 2011 after a toe operation. Married to Ye Li, they have a daughter.
An American Point Guard from Tampa, retired from the NBA at 30, playing for teams like the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards ('Agent Zero'), Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies.
Retired at 28, American NBA Center Bradley Daugherty played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, later becoming a commentator and active in charity work.
A Center from Buffalo, New York, retired from the NBA at 28. He began with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2007, faced injuries, played for the Miami Heat, and briefly joined the Jiangsu Dragons in China before retiring.
Retired at 27, a Power Forward from Minneapolis, Minnesota, started his professional career with the Houston Rockets but faced challenges due to anxiety disorders and eventually left the team.
A Shooting Guard from Seattle, Washington, retired at 27 due to knee problems after playing for the Portland Trail Blazers and briefly with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A Center from Plainsboro Township, New Jersey, retired at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest NBA players to retire, plagued by knee issues during his career with the Lakers, 76ers, Cavaliers, and Pacers.