One of the NBA's most loquacious and likeable players has decided to call it a career.
The Boston Celtics announced Thursday the release of veteran guard Keyon Dooling, who plans to retire from the NBA after 12 seasons.
"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,” said Dooling’s representative, Kenge Stevenson. “He will never forget his time in Boston with the Celtics.”
"We’ll miss Keyon’s spirit and energy, both on and off the court," said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. "The whole Celtics family wishes him well as he enters the next phase of his life."
A mentor to younger players and a go-to quote for media members, Dooling's "other interests" could well include coaching or commentating at some point in the future. The Sun-Sentinel also reported on Thursday that Dooling, a Florida native, might not be done playing after all and that he could consider playing for the Miami Heat.
Dooling, 32, holds career averages of 7.0 points and 3.2 assists and spent one season with the Celtics. He averaged 4.0 points and 1.1 assists for the Celtics during his one season with the team; his contract was set to expire after the 2012-13 season.
The Celtics have a solid, rebuilt backcourt in place, even in Dooling's absence. All-Star Rajon Rondo will be joined by Avery Bradley and two summer acquisitions, Courtney Lee and Jason Terry.
Before his time in Boston, Dooling's NBA career saw stops with the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, New Jersey Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Celtics also agreed to sign free agent center Darko Milicic earlier Thursday.