Keyon Dooling Has Retired

Somewhat surprisingly, Keyon Dooling has elected to call his NBA career quits. This, after Dooling inked a one-year deal to return to the Celtics over the summer. From the Boston Herald: “Keyon has decided that he has given the NBA twelve good years and that it’s time to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family,’ Dooling’s representative Kenge Stevenson said in a release from the team. ‘He will never forget his time in Boston with the Celtics.’ Dooling averaged just 4 points per game last season, but the 12-year veteran was a valuable locker room presence. Dooling grew close to point guard Rajon Rondo and had a respected voice among teammates. Forward Brandon Bass famously credited a ‘sermon from Reverend Dooling’ for propelling the Celtics to a win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia last season. ‘We’ll miss Keyon’s spirit and energy, both on and off the court,’ Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. ‘The whole Celtics family wishes him well as he enters the next phase of his life.’ Dooling was signed to a veteran minimum contract. Training camp opens a week from Saturday in Waltham. Dooling, who served as the vice president of the NBA Players Association, figures to have a bright future in basketball if he decides to become a coach or an executive. But he also has other business outside of the game that he could pursue.”