Ex-Celtics Star Out of NBA by 25 Announces Retirement As He Reveals Next Basketball Chapter

The Boston Celtics are the most decorated team in the NBA. In their 80 years of existence, they've managed to rack up 18 NBA Championships, the most of any franchise in league history. Of course, throughout the team's rich history, we've seen some great players make a name for themselves while playing for the Celtics.

However, there were also those odd figures who came and went. One of those players was Jared Sullinger. From 2012 to 2017, Sullinger had a short-lived NBA career. He played all five of his seasons with the Celtics before calling it quits to play for another league overseas. Since then, Sullinger has gone quiet, at least until Thursday, when Bleacher Report announced his retirement from basketball.

"Jared Sullinger has announced his retirement from basketball," Bleacher Report wrote on Instagram.

Despite stepping away from the hardwood as a player, he isn't entirely letting go of the sport just yet. Bleacher Report also revealed that he will be acting as the Ohio State Buckeyes' Director of Player Development moving forward.

"At 34 years old, Sullinger is returning to Ohio State as Director of Player Development," Bleacher Report added.

As of this writing, details about Sullinger's contract with Ohio State haven't been disclosed. We're not entirely sure how long he'll be in his new role for the Buckeyes.

Celtics HC Opens Up on What It Takes to Represent the Franchise

When you play for the Boston Celtics, there's a certain standard to live up to. Having the most NBA Championships in league history means that playing for the Celtics should also result in greatness from each player.

In a recent interview with sports insider Josh Chambers, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla opened up about how difficult it is to live up to the standards of the franchise.

Mazzulla said that being a Celtic is like a double-edged sword. While one wants to be remembered for the contributions they made to the franchise, the goal is to be forgotten instead. What he means is that whoever the next generation is, they should perform at a more elite level than what the previous generation has already showcased.

"If the people around you didn’t do what they do… I wouldn’t do anything. The thing I reflect on the most is… I think you have to be willing to be forgotten. I think that’s kind of my main goal," Mazzulla told Chambers.

"I want to be forgotten about," Mazzulla continued. "Because that means after you… It was better. I think that’s what it means to be a Celtic. However long you play, coach, work for the Celtics... Your job is to keep it exactly where it’s at or bring it better. You cannot bring it down. If you leave and it gets worse, that’s your fault. If you leave and they win, and they forget about you, you did your job."

For now, the Celtics' elite status in the Eastern Conference remains a blur. While they may still have Jayson Tatum by their side, trading Jaylen Brown for an aging Paul George doesn't sit right with many fans, leading to beliefs that Boston could end up failing this coming season.