Golden State Warriors Champion Announces Basketball Retirement

Bjelica most recently joined Crvena zvezda of the Serbian League. While with the team, reports suggested Bjelica had been considering retirement due to “recurring injuries.”

Golden State Warriors Champion Announces Basketball Retirement

Nemanja Bjelica’s Basketball Career

The Serbian native played for numerous overseas teams from 2007-2015. In that time, Bjelica was a one-time EuroLeague MVP, the 2015 Serbian Player of the Year, a one-time Turkish League champion, a one-time Turkish Presidential Club winner, and a two-time Zadar Basketball Tournament winner. Furthermore, representing Serbia, Bjelica helped his country win a silver medal during the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Bjelica entered the 2010 NBA Draft and was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 35th pick. However, the Wizards traded Bjelica’s draft rights immediately to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2015, the then 27-year-old forward made his NBA debut with the Timberwolves. Bjelica played three seasons with the franchise before signing with the Sacramento Kings in free agency in 2018. In 2021, the Kings traded Bjelica to the Miami Heat, but the forward would only play 11 games for the team before signing with the Warriors the following offseason. En route to his first and only NBA title, Bjelica played 71 games coming off the bench for Golden State.

After Bjelica announced he was leaving the NBA to return to Turkey following the title run, teammate Draymond Green spoke about being “a little hurt by” his decision:

“I’m a little hurt by this one, I had an opportunity to create a really great relationship with Beli and one that, quite frankly, will last further than him or myself playing basketball,” Draymond added. “But for Beli, I think this was more of a family move than necessarily a business move. Beli has two young children and to be closer to his family … it sucks for us, it definitely sucks for us, because I thought his versatility and what he brought to the floor for us, another playmaker on the court and then obviously the way he stretches the floor, I thought that was really good for us. And to lose him, I think that one stung a little bit. Nonetheless, extremely happy for him, he’s back closer to his family, which I understand how important that is having a family of my own.”

Over the course of his career, Bjelica averaged 7.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

The Last Word on Nemanja Bjelica’s Retirement

Bjelica’s overseas resume will always be far more impressive than his NBA resume. Still, the Serbian native was an important part of the Warriors’ championship run in 2022. His perimeter scoring and offensive versatility were impressive. Ultimately, Bjelica will never join the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, he was a solid player in his basketball career and enjoyed a lot of success.