When Did OJ Simpson Retire- A Look Back at the Iconic Athlete’s Retirement Timeline

by liuqiyue

When did OJ retire? This question has intrigued many sports fans and basketball enthusiasts for years. OJ Mayo, a talented and versatile guard, officially retired from professional basketball in 2019. His journey through the NBA was marked by ups and downs, but his impact on the game will always be remembered.

OJ Mayo was born on November 23, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. He attended La Mirada High School, where he was a three-time California Mr. Basketball winner. Mayo’s exceptional skills and performance caught the attention of college recruiters, and he eventually chose to play for USC. During his time at USC, Mayo was named Pac-10 Player of the Year and was a consensus first-team All-American.

After a successful college career, Mayo entered the NBA Draft in 2008. He was selected 3rd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that was looking to build a championship contender. Mayo quickly became a fan favorite due to his scoring ability and flashy playmaking skills. However, his time with the Grizzlies was short-lived as he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009.

With the Lakers, Mayo had the opportunity to play alongside some of the greatest players in NBA history, such as Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Despite his talent, Mayo’s tenure with the Lakers was marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He was eventually traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2011, where he found a new lease on life.

Mayo’s time with the Bucks was a revelation. He blossomed into a leader and a key contributor, averaging career-highs in points and assists. His performance earned him a spot in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. However, Mayo’s time with the Bucks came to an end in 2013, as he was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns were Mayo’s last NBA team, and he spent two seasons with the team before deciding to retire. Throughout his NBA career, Mayo played for six teams, including the Lakers, Bucks, Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks. Despite the trade rumors and criticism, Mayo always remained a professional and a team player.

In his retirement announcement, Mayo expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had in the NBA and the experiences he gained along the way. He also thanked his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support. OJ Mayo’s retirement marked the end of an era for him, but his legacy as a talented and passionate player will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players.

So, when did OJ retire? The answer is 2019, but his impact on the game and the memories he created will last a lifetime.

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