The basketball world said goodbye to one of its most uniquely skilled - and tragically injury-plagued - big men on September 3, 2026. Jared Sullinger, the bruising former Boston Celtics forward, officially announced his retirement from professional basketball via Instagram. That post closed the book on a wild 14-year odyssey that spanned the NBA hardwood, the bright lights of China, and the passionate arenas of Brazil.
For fans who remember "Sully" bulldozing his way to double-doubles in Beantown, the news hits with a mix of nostalgia and "what if?" The writing, however, had been on the wall for years. A final professional stint in Brazil’s NBB ended prematurely with a torn Achilles in February 2026. A failed rehab attempt over the summer followed. At 34, the decision became inevitable - the body that betrayed him so often finally won the battle.
But don't cry for Jared Sullinger. In a move that screams Celtics loyalty, he isn't going far. He’s heading right back to where it all started, taking a new role with Boston’s G League affiliate. He’s swapping his jersey for a clipboard, ready to pour everything he learned - and every lesson his body taught him - into the next generation of big men. Ex-Celtics Forward Jared Sullinger Retires At 34 After Injury-Plagued Career, Reveals Next Basketball Chapter, and it's a beauty.
A Career Derailed by Injury, Defined by Grit
It’s impossible to talk about Sullinger’s career without acknowledging the shadow of chronic back and foot issues that loomed over his immense talent. He was a first-team All-American at Ohio State. The Celtics snagged him with the 21st overall pick in 2012 - an absolute steal at the time. His rookie year showed exactly why: he averaged nearly a double-double (13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds) and looked like the franchise’s future cornerstone in the paint.
Over 318 regular-season NBA games (2012 - 2017), he posted career averages of 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. He was a master of offensive rebounding, possessing soft hands and a surprisingly smooth post game. Yet, the micro-discectomies and foot surgeries kept piling up. After his final NBA appearance with the Toronto Raptors in the 2016 - 17 season, the league never saw him again. The NBA’s loss became the international circuit’s gain.
📊 318 NBA games, 10.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG (2012 - 2017) - Sullinger never returned to the league after his 2017 foot surgery, but his per-36-minute numbers (17.1 PPG, 11.9 RPG) hinted at what could've been.
He became a global hoops nomad. He won the CBA All-Star Game MVP in 2019 with the Shenzhen Leopards. He suited up for Baskonia in Spain. He made homes in Brazil with Flamengo and Mogi das Cruzes. Even in his final competitive game on February 12, 2026, he went out with a bang - a vintage 27-point, 14-rebound double-double before the Achilles tear that ended it all. That stat line wasn't just a box score; it was a reminder of the force he could have been.
| Stop | Years | Highlight | Final Season Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics (NBA) | 2012 - 2016 | 2013 All-Rookie First Team | 10.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG |
| Toronto Raptors (NBA) | 2016 - 2017 | Final NBA stop | 3.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG |
| Shenzhen Leopards (CBA) | 2017 - 2020 | 2019 CBA All-Star MVP | 24.1 PPG, 13.6 RPG |
| Baskonia (Spain) | 2021 | EuroLeague stint | 10.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG |
| Flamengo/Mogi (Brazil) | 2023 - 2026 | Final NBB season | 14.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG |
Starting Anew: The Maine Celtics and a Coach’s Vision
Sullinger’s next chapter isn't just a ceremonial title; it’s a hands-on gig. He’s coming aboard the Maine Celtics as a player development coach and front-office consultant. That dual role will see him start with the team’s 2026 - 27 training camp in late September.
