James Padin Announces Retirement From Basketball After 16-Year Career

American basketball player James Padin announced his official retirement from the sport on Friday, concluding a 16-year career that included three stints in Israel. The guard shared his decision on social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunities basketball provided him.

"Thank you basketball," Padin wrote, "I am officially retiring from the game that has given me so much in life. From the start, it gave me happiness I couldn't find anywhere else. It was my safe place. I grew up on tough streets in New York and never imagined the places this sport would take me, the people I would meet, and the experiences I would have."

Padin began his professional career in 2010 after going undrafted, starting in Spain. He later played for Panathinaikos and Crvena Zvezda before his first stint in Israel with Hapoel Jerusalem from 2017 to 2020. He also played in Spain, Kuwait, and Italy before joining Hapoel Tel Aviv, followed by a move to Hapoel Galil Elyon.

For the last three years, Padin played in Uruguay, where in his final season he averaged 13.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He encouraged aspiring young athletes to persevere and pursue their dreams, citing himself as an example of overcoming obstacles.

"To everyone who was part of the journey, thank you for the love and support along the way. I've finished playing, but the memories, lessons, and my passion for the game will stay with me forever. And to all the kids out there who don't count, keep persevering and pushing forward, I am the perfect example of blocking out the noise and chasing dreams."