After 12 years in the League, Raja Bell’s career came to an unceremonious end last season. Bell couldn’t make the New York Knicks’ roster this past summer, and has since called it quits. Per Talkin Hoopz:
“Earlier this year I shut it down,” Bell said. “I’m 37, I have three boys, I do miss it, but physically it wasn’t realistic for me to keep training and keep putting my body through what I’ve been putting it through for the last 20 years.”
The veteran guard says while there’s always of piece of him that wants to play, he’s not physically prepared to answer the door if an NBA team comes knocking later in the season.
“To be ready to help somebody in the playoffs, you have to be trained and have to be in shape,” Bell said. “Not training, not having been in the gym for the last month, I wouldn’t entertain anything like that. I’d be flattered, but I’d have to say no because I don’t think I’d be able to live up to my end of the bargain at this point.”
Bell leaves behind career averages of 9.9 points, 1.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game over his 12-year career. Known for his pesky defense, the former Suns standout found himself on the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team in 2007, and All-Defensive Second Team in 2008.
As he transitions away from the hardwood, Bell continues to stay close to the game, running basketball camps in the Miami area. Bell also works as a broadcaster for ESPN 360 and ESPN U.
